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Independence Hall. 



A HISTORY^ 
PENNSYLVANIA 



BY 

THOMAS STONE MARCH, Ph.D. 

STATE INSPECTOR OF HIGH SCHOOLS 
OF PENNSYLVANIA 




AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY 



NEW YORK 



CINCINNATI 



CHICAGO 






Copyright, igi5, by 
THOMAS STONE MARCH 



m i7idi5 

©CU406340 



PREFACE 

No other state in the Union presents a history so closely con- 
nected with world progress as Pennsylvania. Here are to be 
found the beginnings of many types of religions. Here was the 
first real experiment in popular government. Here have been 
developed the whole theory and practice of transportation and 
the intricate factory system. Pennsylvania has been the labora- 
tory in which many important experiments in sociology, religion, 
and government have been performed. 

Local history has an appeal not easily found in works covering 
a larger sphere. In this book an effort has been made so to 
present the subject as to lead the pupil to a better understanding 
of our national history. Hence special em^phasis has been laid 
upon the various incidents in the life of the nation which have 
taken place in Pennsylvania. To make these relations clear to 
the pupil it has often been necessary to mention events which 
have occurred in other states. This plan has been followed in the 
hope that this book may be used as an introduction to, and in 
connection with, a study of the history of the United States. 

In the arrangement of materials, the topical method of treat- 
ment has been employed. This has occasionally brought events 
out of their chronological order. This was done to make the 
relation of events clear to pupils. In addition it was thought that 
detached descriptions of incidents have a tendency to form the 
bad habit of committing history to memory, whereas a logical 
arrangement encourages a correct method of study. 

The author is indebted for assistance and encouragement to 
Hon. Nathan C. Schaeffer and Hon. A. D. Glenn. Special 
acknowledgment is made to Dr. J. George Becht, Hon. Reed 
B. Teitrick, and Miss Katherine M. Ulery, of the Greensburg 
High School, who carefully read all of the manuscript and made 
valuable corrections and suggestions. 

T. S. M. 



SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS 

All incidents form a part of history, yet most of them have 
no real value. Only those which have some bearing upon prog- 
ress should be emphasized by the teacher. The pupil gains 
knowledge which is worth while if he is able to see how the 
industries of to-day have developed. He has a deeper under- 
standing of the subject of electricity if he knows of Franklin's 
discoveries. He has a better appreciation of the wonders of 
medicine and surgery if he knows the important part that Penn- 
sylvania has played in their development. In the same way some 
knowledge of the relation of this state to the world of thought, 
religion, and government, will bring these subjects nearer to his 
own personal experiences, and add considerably to his under- 
standing of history and to his interest in it. 

An important part of the equipment of every school is a 
county history. This is usually too expensive to be put into the 
hands of each pupil, but at least one copy should be placed where 
it can constantly be referred to by students. The exercises given 
at the end of each chapter of this book make frequent reference 
to works of the kind necessary. If the school owns no such his- 
tory it may be possible to obtain the use of a copy from some 
parent or public-spirited citizen. Every school should also have 
upon its bookshelf one or more copies of good United States 
histories and some standard encyclopedia. Smull's Legislative 
Handbook is indispensable in this study, and, upon application to 
the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, is furnished free 
to every school in the state. In addition to these, as many as 
possible of the reference books mentioned in this volume should 
be procured. 

The teacher should frequently review, but he should not 
depend entirely upon the text for questions. Exercises are 
appended to each chapter to show the character of the questions 
that should be required: those demanding some thought and 

6 



SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS 7 

judgment upon the part of the pupil, and those necessitating 
investigation. In connection with the latter, the teacher should 
always tell the pupils where they may find the desired informa- 
tion. 

Every teacher should have a scrapbook in which to put illus- 
trations and articles cut or copied from magazines, books, or 
other publications which are too large or too costly to be used 
in school. In a few years he can accumulate, at little expense, 
material which will add much interest to his work. The pupils, 
likewise, should be encouraged and assisted in making such 
historical collections. 

The method of having work written upon the blackboard during 
the recitation period is often a waste of time. It cannot take 
the place of oral work in the amount of ground covered or in 
thoroughness. It is wise to use history as a basis for composition 
work now and then, but this method should be used only 
incidentally. 

Teachers should make every effort to keep pupils from acquir- 
ing the habit of committing historical material to memory. 
Such things as lists of rulers — presidents, governors, kings, or 
officials of any kind — are of little importance. Dates, also, 
should be used sparingly. The library method, used properly, 
will prevent the memorizing habit from being formed. Proper 
questioning, also, has a similar tendency. 

One of the chief reasons for the teaching of history is to make 
good citizens. Too obvious effort to bring the moral of a subject 
before the class, however, will defeat its own ends. It would be 
better to assume that the pupil has enough sense to make the 
proper application, without putting too much emphasis upon 
the subject. 



CONTENTS 

CHAPTER PAGE 

I. The Indians ii 

II. Discovery and Exploration .... i8 

III. Settlements before Penn 26 

IV. William Penn and the Friends ... 36 
V. The Early Days or Pennsylvania . . 43 

VI. The Colonists , 56 

VII. The Last Days of Penn 70 

VIII. The Penn Heirs 81 

IX. Causes or the French and Indian War , 91 

X. The French and Indian War in Penn- 
sylvania 99 

XL Second Expedition against Fort Duquesne 108 

XII. PoNTiAc's War 116 

XIII. Controversies with the Penn Heirs . . 127 

XIV. Boundary Disputes 133 

XV. The Yankee-Pennamite Wars .... 142 

XVI. Causes of the Revolution 151 

XVII. Resistance to Oppression 158 

XVIII. From Colony to State 168 

XIX. Campaigns against Philadelphia . . . 176 

XX. The British Hold Philadelphia . . . 185 

XXL Indian Troubles and Some Great Men . 197 

8 



CONTENTS 

CHAPTER PAGE 

XXII. Pennsylvania under the Confederation . 203 

XXIII. The First Decade of the New Government 213 

XXIV. Trials of the New National Government 224 

XXV. Population and Transportation in Early 

Days 234 

XXVI. The First Quarter of the Nineteenth 

Century 244 

XXVII. The Railroads and the Pennsylvania Canal 256 

XXVIII. New Issues 267 

XXIX. The Slavery Question 278 

XXX. Pennsylvania and the Civil War . , . 291 

XXXI. Gettysburg and After 302 

XXXII. From '65 to the Present 315 

XXXIII. Industrial Pennsylvania 331 

XXXIV. Improvement of Labor Conditions . . 344 
XXXV. Great Men of the Keystone State . . 353 



A HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 



CHAPTER I 



THE INDIANS 



The first inhabitants. — The first inhabitants of the con- 
tinent of North America were savages of the red race. 

Columbus called them Indians as 
he supposed that he had reached 
India, a country in Asia. They 
were a very simple people, who 
lived largely by hunting and fish- 
ing. Those who lived in the 
region now called Pennsylvania 
tilled the land to some extent, 
and raised crops of corn and 
tobacco, products that had never 
been known to the Europeans 
-v until the discovery of the New 
World. They also raised beans 
and pumpkins, and made sugar 
from the sap of the maple tree. 
Their habitations. — The Indians 
/ of Pennsylvania had no towns 

like those of civilized people. Their 

One of Pennsylvania's first , ^ r r 

inhabitants. houscs wcrc constructcd of a lew 

poles covered with bark, leaves, or skins, and were 
easily moved or destroyed. However, there were collec- 




12 



THE INDIANS 



tions of such houses, or wigwams as they were called, 
in regions which offered unusual advantages for hunt- 
ing or fishing. Because of the temporary character of 
such structures, few traces of these towns are left. Some- 
times farmers, living in regions which the Indians had 
formerly occupied, plow up in their fields relics of this 




An Indian home. 



race. In places where battles were fought, large num- 
bers of stone arrowheads and hammers have been found, 
and in the neighborhood of former towns pieces of 
pottery and other reminders of Indian life come to Hght 
now and then. After the arrival of the white man, the 
Pennsylvania Indians built some substantial houses which 
were made of logs, not unlike the homes of the early settlers. 
Protection against the cold. — The Indians dressed, for 
the most part, in the skins of animals, which were a scant 



THE INDIANS 



13 



protection against the cold of winter. As Pennsylvania 
furnished an abundance of timber, they were rarely, 
however, without the warmth of fire when they needed it, 
but they had to go to considerable trouble when for any 
reason the fire died out. 
One of the ways they had 
of obtaining a blaze was by 
twirling a pointed stick rap- 
idly against another until 
the heat made by the fric- 
tion set fire to some dry 
leaves or other inflammable 
substance which had been 
collected for the purpose. 
Since this was a tedious 
process, they usually tried 
to keep their fires from go- 
ing out. 

Meat and drink. — The In- 
dians had no horses, cows, 
or chickens. They depended 
on the wild game which 
they killed for their meat, 
and the pure water for their 
drink. The Pennsylvania 

woods were full of deer, bears, ducks, and wild turkeys, 
and the Indians knew well how to get them. For hunting 
and fishing they made arrows pointed with flint, stone 
knives, and fishhooks of sharp pointed bone. 

Indian trails and water routes. — In traveling from one 
place to another, the Indians carried their few belongings 
over trails, or paths, through the woods. Some of these 




An Indian method of obtaining fire. 



14 



THE INDIANS 



became well marked through constant use. One of the 
most famous of those in Pennsylvania was the one from 
Kittanning over the mountains to the Juniata Valley; 
another crossed the state near the Susquehanna. Most 
of the trails followed the tops of ridges where no enemy 
could get above the traveler. Whenever they could, the 
Indians went by water. Canoes hollowed out from trees 
were much used along the Delaware and the Susquehanna. 
Those of bark were better for going between the headwaters 
of streams, as they were lighter and so could more easily 
be carried. 

Picture language. — The Indians had only the beginnings 
of a written language, namely, a method of expressing 
thought by pictures. A few such markings on rocks have 
come down to us. Some are found in western Pennsylvania 
along the Ohio and some along the Susquehanna. 

Religion. — The Indians believed in a Great Spirit, or 
manito,^ but there were many manitos. They also had 
a great reverence for the forces of nature, and measured 
time by the sun and the moon. 

Wampum. — The Indians had no money such as we have. 
They bought things from the white settlers by means 




Indian wampum. 



of the pelts or skins of the animals which they killed. 
Wampum was sometimes used as money. It consisted of 
a large number of bits of shell strung together. Usually 



1 man' i to 



THE INDIANS l^ 

the colors were so arranged as to form figures or ornaments 
on a white background. Belts of wampum played an im- 
portant part in treaties and served as a means of calling to 
mind the promises that had been made. 

Early Indian history. — The true history of the Indian 
before the coming of the white man is still a mystery. 
A few of the traditions that were picked up by the early 
traders and missionaries may have some foundation in 
truth. According to Heckewelder/ the Moravian mis- 
sionary, the Indians of the Delaware Valley came from 
beyond the Mississippi, and after years of wandering and 
fighting, arrived in the land where the white man found 
them. These were Algonquins,^ a race which covered 
almost all of the country east 
of the Rockies. Notable excep- 
tions were the Iroquois^ of New 
York, their bitterest foe, and 
certain Indians of northern and 
central Pennsylvania who were 
closely alHed to the Iroquois. 

The Pennsylvania tribes. — two examples of Indian pottery. 

The branch of the Algonquins 

who lived along the Delaware River were the Lenni- 
Lenape.^ These were divided into the Minsi^ of the north- 
ern, the Unami^ of the middle, and the Unalachtigo^ of the 
southern part of the river. These were the Indians with 
whom the first settlers had most to do. The Indians of 
the Susquehanna Valley in the south were the Susque- 
hannocks. Their principal town was apparently at 
Conestoga in Lancaster County. They were known to 

1 hek' e vel der ^ ^1 goij ' kinz ^ ir o kwoi' ^ len i len' a pe ^ min' se 
^ un' a me ^ un a loch' U go 




i6 



THE INDIANS 



the Swedes and Dutch as Minquas.^ The Ohio Valley 
was much visited by the Indian and many remains are 
still to be found there — pictured rocks, defensive works, 
and burial mounds. These were probably the work of an 
earlier race than those found by the whites. The Eries, 
in the northwest, were also called Shawnees. 

Wars. — There are stories of many wars between the 
various tribes. The Iroquois at different times attacked 
the Susquehannocks from the north and forced them 




A group of Indian weapons. 

toward Chesapeake Bay. The Eries also were finally the 
victims of this fierce race; and after the coming of the 
white man, the Minsis were forced into subjection. 

Total number. — The total number of Indians in Penn- 
sylvania at the time of discovery is a matter of dispute. 
Penn, about one century later, estimated it at six thousand. 
This is probably less than the number. As they were 
hunters they needed a large territory over which to wander. 
On this account their towns were few and srnall, and a 
complete census was impossible. 



SUMMARY 

The land which was afterwards called Pennsylvania was, when 
discovered, inhabited by Indians who lived by hunting and fishing. 

1 min'kwaz 



THE INDIANS j^ 

They were few in numbers and had no towns of any size. They had 
such conveniences only as they could easily make. They were prin- 
cipally Algonquins. 

EXERCISES 

1. What other races look most like Indians? 

2. What products raised by the Indians had not been known to 
Europe? 

3. What traces of Indians have been found in your neighbor- 
hood? 

4. Of what materials were the Indian arrowheads made? 

5. How did the houses of the Iroquois differ from the habita- 
tions of the Pennsylvania Indians? 

6. What wild animals were found in Pennsylvania by the early 
settlers? 

7. Why did the Indians travel by water? 

8. What is meant by manito? by wampum? 

9. What Indian tribe lived in your neighborhood? 

10. Give the Indian names which are found in your county, 

11. How does the population of your town and county compare 
with the number of Indians at the time of settlement? 

REFERENCES 

Fiske: The Discovery of America, I, 21-147. 
Parkman: The Conspiracy of Pontiac, 1-86. 
Freneau: The Indian Burying Ground. 
Longfellow: The Song of Hiawatha. 



CHAPTER II 



DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION 



Captain John Smith. — Probably the first time the na- 
tives of Pennsylvania ever saw a white man was in 1608, 
when, during one of his voyages of exploration, Captain 
John Smith approached this territory by way of Chesa- 
peake Bay and the lower waters of the Sus- 
quehanna. The river he described as being 
full of rocks and too shallow for navigation. 
He landed, however, at the head of the bay 
and had various conferences with bands of 
Indians who came from the north. Among 
these were the Susquehannocks, who brought 
him presents of skins, bows, arrows, and 
tobacco. ''They seemed like giants," Smith 
said, ''yet of an honest and simple disposi- 
tion." They had never seen a white man 
and were at the point of worshiping the 
Englishmen as if they were gods. They 
carried tobacco pipes with the heads carved 
like beasts or birds, and gayly decorated 
with feathers. The heads of their arrows 
were of a "white christall-like stone." Smith, however, 
never set foot upon Pennsylvania soil, although he and 
his men could not have been far from the southern bound- 
ary of our state. 

18 




An Indian pipe. 



DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION 



19 



Henry Hudson.— The year following Smith's visit, 
Henry Hudson, in the Half Moon, coasted along the At- 
lantic and discovered Delaware Bay. After entering and 
sounding it for a short distance, he determined that in order 
to explore it properly, a man should have a small boat. 



m:%^ 


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«ry,«^v wiiM^^^ 


Mi^^tri»iSI^^^H 


^^^^^^K^f'^^^^^KK^B^mSj^mt^B^^^^ 


.^^ :M 





The Half Moon. 



He then weighed anchor and, sailing northward, discovered 
the beautiful river which has since borne his name. 

Influence of the discovery. — This discovery has had 
great influence upon the history of the settlements on the 
Delaware. Hudson, although of English birth, was sail- 
ing under the Dutch flag. On this account the Dutch laid 
claim to the territory which he discovered and in time began 
to open it to settlers. 



20 DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION 

First white man in Pennsylvania. — But neither the 
English nor the Dutch were to be the first white men to 
enter the new land. It was left to a Frenchman coming 
from the north to be the first European to step upon 
Pennsylvania soil. It must be remembered that before 
the discovery of Hudson, and before the English were in 
Virginia, the French had been making explorations and 
settlements in Canada. It was quite natural then for 
some one from among them to reach Pennsylvania. In 
1615 Etienne Brule,^ one of Champlain's^ interpreters, 
during an expedition in the New York country, went 
southward to obtain aid from a body of Susquehannocks 
in an attack against a stronghold of the Iroquois. For 
three days he journeyed until he reached a town which 
Champlain called Carantuan, which must have been 
near, if not within, the boundaries of Pennsylvania. The 
location of this place is supposed to be what is now 
Spanish Hill in the extreme northern part of Bradford 
County. Traces of Indian settlement and fortifications 
are still to be found there. 

Brule's expedition. — Having obtained the assistance 
which he sought, Brule attempted to join Champlain, but 
without success at the time, as that leader had made an 
attack and had been driven off. Brule therefore returned 
to Carantuan and wintered there. He passed some of 
the time in making expeditions to the southward. In 
Champlain's report of these, he describes him as following 
the river to the bay into which it flows and returning to 
the Indian town. This would seem to indicate that the 
intrepid explorer not only entered Pennsylvania, but that 
in following the Susquehanna to its mouth, he must have 

1 a tyen' brii la' ^ sham plan' 



DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION 2i 

crossed the entire state. If this is so, he must have 
known the interior of Pennsylvania at least a hundred 
years before it was known to anybody else but the 
Indians. 

Captain Samuel Argall. — It was to the region adjoining 
Delaware Bay that the attention of early discoverers was 
most frequently drawn. That was more accessible than 
the interior and gave promise of quicker returns in wealth. 
One year after the discovery of the bay by Hudson, an- 
other Englishman, Captain Samuel Argall,^ sailed north 
from the colony of Virginia and entered the bay, on the 
twenty-seventh of August, 1610. He called it Delaware, 
after Lord Delaware, the governor of Virginia. From 
the Indians he obtained promises of corn, but sailed away 
without landing. The only thing important about his 
expedition is that he gave a name to the bay which has 
clung to the bay, the state, the river, and local Indian 
tribes ever since. 

Mey and Hendricksen. — The report of the Hudson ex- 
pedition became widely known and Dutch merchants 
and traders began to go to the new country to share in 
the rich fur trade. They usually went to Manhattan, 
the island upon which much of the city of New York now 
stands. In 1614, a Captain Mey^ coasted along the At- 
lantic shore and gave his name to one of the capes at the 
entrance of Delaware Bay. Two years later a man named 
Hendricksen may have visited the bay and river, but his 
description of the journey is so indefinite that there is 
nothing certain about it. One of the stories connected 
with this expedition is that Hendricksen rescued three 
Dutchmen who had strayed from Albany and had been 

1 ar' gol - ma 



22 



DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION 



captured by the Indians. The rescue is supposed to have 
taken place about where Philadelphia now stands. 

First settlement. — In 1623, Captain Mey again came 
to America and Delaware Bay. He ascended the river 
and the next year built a trading post, Fort Nassau,^ pos- 
sibly where Gloucester, New Jersey, now stands. He 
was the first white man to make a settlement on the 
Delaware waters. To this post many of the Pennsylvania 
Indians came with their peltries, or bundles of skins. 

David De Vries. — Up to 1631 there had been no settle- 
ments on the west bank of either the bay or the river. 
In that year a party of colonists sent by David De Vries ^ 

came from Holland in the 

ship Walrus and started a 

settlement where the town 

of Lewes,^ Delaware, now 

stands. They called this 

Swanendael, the valley of 

swans. Unlike the others, 

De Vries has given us a 

full account of his venture. 

About a year later, 

De Vries himself came in 

the Squirrel. Although he 

had received word that 

his colony had met with 

disaster, he pushed on and 

found the report only too 

true. When he came to Swanendael he found it 

burned and the ground strewn with the bones of the 

settlers and their cattle. With six men he went to Fort 




David De Vries. 



1 nas' 6 



lu'is 



DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION 



23 



Nassau which he found deserted. He explored the various 
creeks and inlets on both sides of the Delaware, and even 




' The Dutch continued to trade with the Indians.' 



passed some time within the limits of the present city of 
Philadelphia. This was in the spring of 1634. He de- 
scribes the country as "full of groves of oak, hickory, 
ash, and chestnut trees and also vines which grow upon 
the trees." He was especially pleased with the wild tur- 
keys which he shot. He left finally without trying to 
make another settlement. 

Traders on the Delaware. — The Dutch from Manhattan 
continued for some years to send parties to the South or 
Delaware River to trade with the Indians, and there was 
an occasional Englishman to enter the region, but per- 
manent settlements were not made on the west side until 
a later date. 



24 DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION 

La Salle. — We have seen that the first white man to 
set foot upon the state of Pennsylvania was the French- 
man, Etienne Brule. It is quite likely that there were 
similar journeys made through the Allegheny and Ohio 
valleys in western Pennsylvania at an early period. The 
first of these was probably one by La Salle/ that intrepid 
man whose adventurous spirit led him to explore so much 
of the middle west. In 1669 this brave adventurer 
passed from Lake Erie to the headwaters of the Allegheny 
and down the river to the falls of the Ohio near Louisville. 
His account of the journey has been lost, but the French 
afterwards claimed the territory because of his discovery 
and Joliet^ gave him credit for the discovery of the Ohio. 
At a later date also, La Salle touched Pennsylvania at 
Presque Isle^ where Erie now stands. His was the first sail 
ever seen upon Lake Erie. 

SUMMARY 
Pennsylvania was one of the last of the American colonies to be 
settled. On this account among the first to explore it were people 
from the neighboring settlements: Captain John Smith from Vir- 
ginia approached its southern borders in 1608 and Etienne Brule 
from the French settlements along the St. Lawrence came down in 
1 61 5 and crossed its northern boundaries. Henry Hudson, in ad- 
dition to discovering the Hudson River, also discovered Delaware 
Bay. This interested the Dutch in the new land and various men 
of that race explored and settled the regions. Among these were 
Mey, Hendricksen, and De Vries. The great French explorer, La 
Salle, also probably entered the western part of the state. 

QUESTIONS 

1. What are some stories of Captain John Smith which have 
no connection with Pennsylvania? 

2. V^hat discoveries were made by Henry Hudson? 

1 la sal' 2 2h6 1ya' ^prggkel' 



DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION 25 

3. Name the first white man to set foot upon Pennsylvania soil. 

4. Why was the expedition of Brule not important? 

5. What parts of America were settled by the French at the 
time of the discovery of Pennsylvania? by the Dutch? by the 
English? 

6. How did Cape May get its name? 

7. Why was the expedition of De Vries important? 

8. Who were La Salle and Joliet? 

9. With what Pennsylvania tribes of Indians did the Dutch 
trade on the Delaware? 

10. Where are Bradford County, Philadelphia, Cape May? 

REFERENCES 
Fiske: The Discovery of America, I. 
Parkman: La Salle and the Discovery of the Great West. 
Jenkins: Pennsylvania, Colonial and Federal. 
Kingsley: Westward, Ho! 
Stedman and Hutchinson: Library of American Literature. 



CHAPTER III 



SETTLEMENTS BEFORE PENN 



Delaware. — The settlement of Delaware is closely con- 
nected with the early history of Pennsylvania. Not only 
were both settled at the same time and by the same people, 

but for a while the 
three "Lower Coun- 
ties," as Delaware 
was called, were a 
part of Pennsylvania. 
It becomes necessary, 
therefore, to discuss 
their settlement. 

Settlement by the 
Swedes. — For thirty 
years after Smith 
met the Susquehan- 
nocks at the head of 
Chesapeake Bay, 
there had been no 
successful attempt to 
settle any of the 
Pennsylvania lands. 
Then, however, the Swedes began a series of eleven expe- 
ditions to the new country, extending over a period of 
eighteen years. The first settlers were almost wholly in- 
terested in trading, an occupation in which the Swedes 

26 




Old Swedes' Church in 
Wilmington, dating 
from 1698. 



SETTLEMENTS BEFORE PENN 27 

seemed to excel. There was a great deal of competition 
between them and the Dutch, but they had the ad- 
vantage of a better location. 

Christina.— The first and most important of the Swedish 
expeditions arrived in Delaware Bay in 1638. This had 
been fitted out by money obtained from both the Swedes 
and the Dutch, and was led by Peter Minuit, the eccentric 
Dutchman who had been governor of Manhattan at the 
time of the De Vries expedition. Arriving in the New 
World they immediately set to work to build a fort on 
the west side of Delaware Bay, and make a settlement 
which they called Christina^ after the queen of Sweden. 
It was situated where Wilmington, Delaware, now stands. 
Although the Dutch of Fort Nassau, which happened to 
be occupied at the time, protested against the operations 
of Minuit, he kept on with the work because he knew 
very well that there was no other settlement on the west 
shore and that he had as much right to it as any other. 
To make his title stronger, however, he purchased the 
land from the Indians. 

The loss of Minuit. — Leaving twenty-four men at 
Christina, Minuit started to return to Europe. His fleet, 
however, encountered a severe storm and the vessel upon 
which he happened to be was lost. He was never heard 
from afterwards and probably went down with the ship. 
In this way the colony lost an able leader. 

English settlers. — In 1640 the EngHsh made their ap- 
pearance on the Delaware. These were men from the col- 
ony of New Haven, who had learned that the trade in furs 
in the new colony was better than their own and who 
decided to get a share of it. They made several settle- 

^ kris te' nix 



28 



SETTLEMENTS BEFORE PENN 



SyLVA 



ments in South Jersey, and claimed, at a later date, that 
in 1640 they had purchased land of the Indians; they 
built and occupied a fortified trading house at Passyunk,^ 
now within the city of Philadelphia. They were, how- 
ever, driven away by 
the Dutch. 

John Printz. — The 
most important 
Swedish expedition 
was under the lead- 
ership of John Printz, 
who bore a commis- 
sion appointing him 
governor of the new 
province. Printz 
made the first settle- 
ment in Pennsylvania 
of which there is dis- 
tinct record. In 1643 
he built a fort of 
logs on Tinicum Is- 
land, and in it he 
mounted four brass 
cannons. This set- 
tlement he called 
New Gottenburg. At 
about the same time he made a settlement on the 
Schuylkill, building a number of log houses and laying 
out tobacco plantations. A year or two later he built 
a fine house for himself at New Gottenburg which he 
called Printzhof . In the same village a church was erected, 

^ pass'yunk 




An early map of the Swedish possessions. 



SETTLEMENTS BEFORE PENN 



29 



which was the first house of worship built by white men 
within the present Hmits of Pennsylvania. 

Progress under Printz.— Printz ruled for ten years. 
During his administration much progress was made in 
the colony, and the set- 
tlers began to enjoy 
some degree of comfort 
and plenty. They built 
three forts and estab- 
lished a considerable 
community at Upland. 
On Cobb's Creek they 
constructed a water mill, 
now known as the 
^'Swedes Mill," which 
was the first in the col- 
ony and was used by 
the settlers for miles 
around. 

Peter Stuyvesant. — In 1647 Peter Stuyvesant ^ ar- 
rived at Manhattan and became governor of the Dutch 
settlements. He immediately began active operations 
to gain the Indian trade on the Delaware and, for a 
while, the Dutch and Swedes were in continual conflict. 
Finally, Printz returned to his own country to try to get 
help; but without knowledge of his departure, an ex- 
pedition was sent by Sweden to his relief. Coming into 
Delaware Bay, they seized Fort Casimir - which had 
been built by the order of Stuyvesant. Another Swedish 
vessel, which had been sent with settlers and supplies to 
New Sweden and had wandered into the harbor of New 




John Printz. 



sti've sant - Now New Castle, Delaware. 



30 SETTLEMENTS BEFORE PENN 

Amsterdam^ by mistake, was seized in reprisal and the 
energetic Stuyvesant began to fit out a formidable ex- 
pedition against the Swedes. 

The Dutch in power. — Fort Casimir, which had been 
renamed Trinity, and Fort Christina fell into the hands 
of the Dutch in 1655, and the control of the colony passed 
from the hands of the Swedes; the Dutch were them- 
selves dispossessed by the EngUsh in 1664. The last ex- 
pedition of the Swedes arrived in the Delaware after the 
Dutch had assumed control. The vessel was seized and 
taken to New Amsterdam and its cargo sold. 

The relation of the Swedes to the Indians. — Notwith- 
standing the fact that the Swedes were unable to main- 
tain their control along the Delaware, their people re- 
mained and formed a good element in the community 
after the arrival of Penn. They have to their credit the 
fact that never during their rule was there any trouble 
with the Indians. This was in sharp contrast to the 
history of the settlement of their rivals, the Dutch. The 
total number of years of Swedish supremacy was seven- 
teen. In this time they had actually succeeded in planting 
a colony where both English and Dutch had failed. 

Dutch settlements. — As we have seen, there had been 
repeated unsuccessful attempts by the Dutch to settle the 
west side of the Delaware River and the bay. From 1655 
to 1664, they were in undisturbed possession and their 
numbers gradually increased. The Swedes still held their 
ground and lived in Christina and Tinicum, but these 
places lost their importance. New Amstel, or New Castle, 
where Fort Casimir had been located, gradually gained 
in size and became the leading community of the colony. 

^Now New York. 



SETTLEMENTS BEFORE PENN 



31 



Building material was hard to get in the early days and 
the colonists were compelled to bring bricks from Man- 
hattan. Before 1656, however, bricks were made in New 
Amstel. 

The Dutch did not seem to make good farmers and were 
often in want because of a lack of provisions. There was 
also much difficulty 
in obtaining cattle. 
Some animals were 
imported from Europe 
but for the most part 
they were driven over- 
land from New Am- 
sterdam or Virginia. 

The first school- 
master. — The city of 
Amsterdam bought 
the colony of the 
West India Company 
and sent Jacob Al- 
driks, as governor, and 
six hundred and eighty souls to settle in the new land. 
Among these one is especially worthy of note, Evart 
Piertersen,^ the first schoolmaster of the Delaware. In 
August, 1657, he opened his school at New Amstel with 
twenty-five pupils, most of them Swedes. Although the 
scene of his endeavors was not within our present bound- 
aries, this may be regarded as the beginning of education 
in Pennsylvania. 

Trouble with Lord Baltimore.— During the rule of the 
Dutch, trouble arose with Maryland, which was under 

1 per'ter sen 




Dutchmen demanding the surrender of a fort. 



32 SETTLEMENTS BEFORE PENN 

the proprietor Lord Baltimore. . By the terms of a grant 
to his father all lands which were uncultivated and un- 
occupied between the mouth of the Potomac and the 
fortieth degree of north latitude were to be his. As the 
grant was made in 1632, and at that time no settlement 
was there, Baltimore claimed the lands on the west shore 
of Delaware Bay. The Dutch, however, would not recog- 
nize the claim, saying that their title preceded his by many 
years. 

Stuyvesant firm. — When Stuyvesant heard of the con- 
troversy, he at once sent sixty soldiers to the South River, 
as the Delaware was then called; but the English did 
not appear. Two men, who had been sent by him to 
confer upon the matters under dispute, went on to Patux- 
ent, the home of Lord Baltimore, and after enjoying 
Maryland's hospitahty, succeeded in examining the patent 
and noted that it granted only unoccupied lands. This 
was a weak point in the title of the Baltimores and was 
eagerly seized upon. 

The sale of liquor. — Other troubles interfered with the 
peace of the colony. The Dutch often furnished liquor 
to the Indians who seemed to have a fondness for this 
and under its influence frequently created disturbances. 
Laws were made against the trafhc, but the settlers were 
often compelled to sell because that seemed to be the 
best way of getting the Indians to furnish corn. This 
finally led to bloodshed. 

Policy toward the Swedes. — The Dutch had long wished 
to collect the Swedes into separate communities so that 
they might seize the good farms and watch their rivals 
the more easily. But in 1663 the governor returned from 
Amsterdam with a more favorable policy toward the 



SETTLEMENTS BEFORE PENN 33 

Swedes. He began to appoint them to office and in 
other ways recognize their worth. This was a good poHcy 
and would have brought returns but the advent of the 
Enghsh made it lose in importance. 

Population. — It has been estimated that in 1664, at 
the time of the English accession to power, there were 
from one to two thousand people on the west side of the 
bay and river. Most of these were either Swedes or 
Finns. In addition, there was a small colony of Mennon- 
ites under Plockhoy at the capes. The largest centers 
of population were Marcus Hook, Upland, Tinicum, 
Passyunk, Kingsessing, and Karakung, all settlements of 
the Swedes. An important settlement of the Dutch was 
New Amstel, the largest town in the colony. 

The English claims. — From the earUest times the 
Enghsh had claimed all of America from Canada to Florida 
and from coast to coast. When the Dutch settled on the 
Hudson and the Delaware, they were not molested by the 
Enghsh for several years. In March, 1664, King Charles I 
granted to his brother James, Duke of York, the land in 
the vicinity of the Hudson and the Delaware. In May, 
an expedition sent by James sailed for America and in 
August arrived in the waters which have since borne the 
name of New York Bay. 

Under the Duke of York.— In Septem.ber, two ships 
arrived at New Amstel and stormed the fort. Ten Dutch 
soldiers were wounded and three killed. The Enghsh 
then plundered the settlers. The land west of the Dela- 
ware was not included in the grant to James, but it was 
taken because it had been settled by the Dutch, who, 
according to the English contention, had had no right 
to it. 



34 



SETTLEMENTS BEFORE PENN 



Governor Nicolls. — Colonel Nicolls became governor of 
New York and the settlements on the Delaware, and re- 
mained in power until 1668. He was one of the ablest of the 

colonial governors. 
He was honest and 
fair in his adminis- 
tration, and put in 
operation a system 
of laws, made up of 
the best in use in 
the other colonies. 
These were called 
the ''Duke's Laws." 
He established 
courts at New Castle 
and at Upland. 

The Old Swedes' 
Church. — In 1675 a 
church was ordered 
to be built at Wi- 
caco, now in the 



t. ' 


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\ \ if!/ 


\\ '^"^ «!I^^^ yy^flHikW^ 'iHl 


ii 


||||||__.^teffi5^. jj^M^ttd '-",'^n 


^^H 


H^^\^^wfa^ 


l^^^H 


PPJ™li 1 ''I'liJ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^I 


^H 



Old Swedes' Church, Philadelphia. 



city of Philadelphia. 
This became known as the Old Swedes' Church. The 
present structure, the oldest church building in Pennsyl- 
vania, has been standing since 1700. 



SUMMARY 

The settlement of Pennsylvania was really a continuation of the 
settlements on Delaware Bay. In fact the state of Delaware was 
at one time a part of Pennsylvania. In 1638 the Swedes, under Cap- 
tain Peter Minuit, settled Christina, in Delaware. Several expedi- 
tions were sent by this people to the new colony, the most important 
of which was one under John Printz, who founded the first town- 



SETTLEMENTS BEFORE PENN 35 

on Pennsylvania soil. It was called New Gottenburg and was 
located on Tinicum Island near the city of Chester. The Dutch, 
under Peter Stuyvesant, started a rival settlement in 1647 and gained 
control. Finally they gave way to the English in 1664. Governor 
Ni colls was the first English governor. 



QUESTIONS 

1. How was the early history of Pennsylvania connected with 
that of Delaware? of New York? 

2. What colonies in America had been settled by the English 
at the time of the settlement of Pennsylvania? 

3. Where on the Delaware did the English first make settle- 
ments? 

4. Under what Swedish governor was the greatest progress made? 

5. Was the Old Swedes' Church in Philadelphia the first to be 
built in Pennsylvania? 

6. Where did Fort Christina get its name? 

7. How did the treatment of the Indians by the Swedes differ 
from that by the Dutch? 

8. How were cattle obtained by the early settlers of Pennsyl- 
vania? 

9. Who was the first English governor to rule Pennsylvania? 

10. Who was George Fox? (Consult an encyclopedia.) 

11. What different nationaUties were in Pennsylvania in 1670? 

REFERENCES 

Fiske: Dutch and Quaker Colonies in America. I. Chap. I-IX, 
XIII, XV, XVII. 

Bancroft: United States, II. 

Wilson: History of the American People, I. 

Jenkins: Pennsylvania, Colonial and Federal. 



CHAPTER IV 
WILLIAM PENN AND THE FRIENDS 

William Penn. — William Penn, whose life has been closely 
identihed with the founding of Pennsylvania, was born 
in London on the fourteenth of October, 1644. He was 
the first son of Captain William Penn, who later became a 
vice admiral in the English navy. This child received 
his early education at Chigwell in Essex, England. When 
he was twelve years old his family moved to Ireland and 
settled upon some estates there. In 1660 he became a 
student in Oxford, but he did not finish his course because 
he became interested in the teachings of the Friends or 
Quakers, and was banished from the institution. His 
father did not approve of his son's belief, and sent him 
on a journey to the continent, hoping that he would 
forget the new teachings under different surroundings. In 
1667, however, Penn became a Friend and remained one 
until his death. 

The Friends. — The Friends, or Quakers, as they are 
usually called, were at this time largely of the uneducated 
class and not at all like the people with whom Admiral 
Penn wished his son to associate. They also had a number 
of practices which were continually getting them into 
trouble. One of these was that they did not believe in 
taking off their hats in the presence of their superiors 
because they believed that all were equal. Another was 

36 




Missing Pages 



These missing pages will be inserted at a future date, 




^ iv if "^ 



s 



Missing Pages 



These missing pages will be inserted at a future date, 



WILLIAM PENN AND THE FRIENDS 



39 



and that the Friends would eagerly take advantage of 
an opportunity to escape European persecution. He was 
also led to give much thought to the best way to govern 
such a colony. 

Penn on the continent.— In 1677, Penn made an extended 
visit to the Rhine country. There he found many people 




William Penn and George Fox at a Quaker meeting. 



who had beliefs similar to his own and made friendships 
which later bore fruit in causing a large number of Germans 
to migrate to his colony. 

Grant of land.— In 1680 Penn petitioned Charles II 
for a grant of land in America. The crown had in various 
ways become indebted to Penn's father to the extent of 
some sixteen thousand pounds. Penn preferred the land 
to the money. Charles was anxious to cancel his debt 



40 WILLIAM PENN AND THE FRIENDS 

and, after various formalities had been gone through, 
granted a patent to Penn and affixed the great seal to it 
on March 4, 1681. 

Naming the colony. — The new colony was called Penn- 
sylvania after Penn's father. Penn himself wished to have 
it called New Wales but his preference was overruled. He 
seems to have feared that men might attribute pride to 
him, if the land bore the name of his father, and he made 
a point of carefully explaining the choice in a letter to a 
friend. 

The charter. — The new charter gave Penn almost un- 
limited powers. It reserved, however, to the king, the 
right to levy taxes. In this respect it differed from the 
charters of the other colonies. It also gave the crown the 
right to veto laws passed by the assembly, whereas in 
Maryland that power was granted to the proprietor. 

The " holy experiment."^Penn regarded his new colony 
as "an holy experiment" in government. He had faith 
in the people and he gave them powers and liberties which 
had never before been enjoyed by any people. "You are 
now fixed at the mercy of no governor that comes to 
make his fortune great. You shall be governed by laws 
of your own making and live a free, and, if you will, a 
sober and industrious people," he wrote to the settlers 
who were already in his colony. 

Religious freedom. — The most important concession 
that he gave to his people was absolute religious freedom. 
This was the more remarkable for in those days toleration 
was almost unknown. Even the Puritans of New England 
drove out the Quakers because of the difference in re- 
ligion. 

The frame cf government.- — Not being able to go to the 



WILLIAM PENN AND THE FRIENDS 



41 



PROVINCE 

PENNSILVANIA 

AMERICA. 

Lately Granted under the Great Seal 
o F 



colony himself, Penn sent his cousin, William Markham, 
to be his deputy in Pennsylvania. Markham reached 
New York about the twentieth of June, 1681. Penn, 
however, busied himself in writing articles describing the 
new colony and urging men to settle in it. He also wrote 
his Frame of Government, 
which is dated April 25, . ^r^ some 
1682. In September, 1681, A C C O LI JN T 
he sent commissioners to of the 

lay out his "great town," 
which was to have houses in 
the middle of lots, "that it 
may be a green, country 
town, which will never be 
burned and always be whole- 
some." This became known 
as Philadelphia, or "city of 
brotherly love." 

The Lower Counties. — 
Fearing that he might lose 
control of a passage to the 
sea and wishing to keep out 
of trouble, Penn decided to 
obtain possession of the set- 
tlements on the western side 
of the bay. These negotia- 
tions kept him in England 

longer than he had expected. Finally, however, he suc- 
ceeded in getting the Duke of York to surrender his 
claims. These settlements, known as the "Lower Coun- 
ties" on the Delaware, were New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. 
In August, 1682, he finally set sail for his new colony. 



ENGLAND 

T O 

William Penn, &c. 

Together with Pnviledgesand Powers necef- 
fary to the well-governirtg thereof. 

Made publick for the Information of fuch as ire or miy be 

difpot'ed to Tranfport themfelves or Servants 

into thofe Parts. 



LONDON: Printed , and Sold by 'Brnjumi'i Clark 
BoolvftLlct in GMige-Jaid Lomhari-JIreer, 1681, 

Facsimile of the title-page of Penn's 
own account of Pennsylvania. 



42 WILLIAM PEXX AND THE FRIENDS 

SUMMARY 

William Penn became a member of the Society of Friends. Wish- 
ing to give them a place where they would be free from persecution 
on account of their religion and customs, he obtained from King 
Charles II of England a grant of land in the New World. This, the 
king called Pennsylvania, in honor of Penn's father. Penn called 
his colony " an holy experiment " in government. Among the un- 
usual rights which he granted his people were religious toleration 
and a voice in the government. To keep out of trouble with neigh- 
boring colonies he obtained possession of the three " Lower Coun- 
ties," which afterwards became the state of Delaware. 

QUESTIONS 

1. Why was W^illiam Penn taken from the university? 

2. In what different countries did Penn hve? 

3. Why would a man in the position of Penn's father not like to 
have his son a Quaker? 

4. Describe the dress and customs of the Quakers. 

5. What experience had Penn had in founding a colony before 
he became interested in Pennsylvania? 

6. Give an incident showing the modesty of Penn. 

7. What were the two most important advantages offered to the 
colonists? 

8. What kind of town did Penn wish Philadelphia to be? 

9. Why did Penn wish to own Delaware? 
10. Why did Penn wish to own Pennsylvania? 

REFERENCES 

Bancroft: United States, I. 556-563. 

Fiske: Dutch and Quaker Colonies, II. 1 14-139. 

Sharpless: Quaker Experiment, Chap. VII. 

Woolman: Journal. 

Janney: Life of William Penn. 

Fisher: The Making of Pennsylvania. 

Sharpless: Two Centuries of Pennsylvania History. 



CHAPTER V 
THE EARLY DAYS OF PEXXSYLYAXIA 

Beginnings of Penn's government. — Wlien ]\Iarkham 
arrived in Pennsylvania he assembled a council at Upland as 
Penn had directed. The organization of this in August, 
1 68 1, may be regarded as the beginning of the government 
of the colony. Alarkham immediately took up the ques- 
tion of the boundary with Lord Baltimore, but nothing 
was accompUshed at the time except that he obtained a 
promise that his lordship would give the matter due 
consideration. The dispute, however, was not settled for 
many years. 

The country. — Markham, in a description of the country, 
says that it was covered with woods, with great abundance 
of game — deer, wild turkeys, and ducks. There were all 
sorts of apples, cherries, pears, plums, peaches, mulberries, 
and melons; and in the rivers, "fish in great plenty." 
"In short," he wTites, "if a country life be liked by any, 
it might be here." 

The new city. — As soon as they could, they began to 
lay out the new city. Several locations were looked at, 
and a site was finally chosen so that the city fronted on 
both the Delaware and the Schuylkill. This gave it every 
advantage. At first caves were hollowed out of the river 
bank and the settlers were sheltered in these until better 
quarters could be built. The lands were early purchased 

43 



44 



THE EARLY DAYS OF PEXXSYLVAXIA 



of the Indians. Instead of money, many yards of wam- 
pum and numerous blankets, kettles, guns, coats, shirts, 
hoes, axes, and saws, were given. Penn always made it a 
point to give the Indians more than they asked, and he 
never took advantage of them; ^Markham, acting under 
his directions, also dealt fairly with them. 

Arrival of Penn. — About October 24, 1682, Penn ar- 
rived within the capes in the Welcome after a nine weeks' 







^'■ 



The first homes in Philadelphia. 



voyage filled with hardships. On the twenty-seventh 
they came before Xew Castle and notified the commis- 
sioners that the Duke of York had authorized them to 
make deHvery of his rights. On the next day Penn landed 
and looked into the faces of his new people. He was wel- 
comed alike by Sw^edes, Dutch, and EngHsh. The first 
time he set foot in what is now Pennsylvania was when 
he went to Upland, October 29. Later he changed the 
name of the town to its present name of Chester. When 
Penn landed in Philadelphia is not known, but it probably 



THE EARLY DAYS OF PEXXSIXVAXIA 



45 



was not long after he had arrived at Upland. Tradition 
says that he was rowed there in an open boat. 

First buildings. — At the time of Penn's coming to Phila- 
delphia there was a hotel, the Blue Anchor, near the land- 
ing and a few log houses. Most of the newcomers were 
taken care of by friends until they could provide themselves 
homes. Penn soon undertook to build a house for himself, 
the ''Letitia House," which was not ready for use, how- 
ever, until the summer of 1683. It was of brick and is said 
to be the first house in Philadelphia to have a cellar. It was 
removed to Fairmount Park in 1883 where it is still 
standing. 




William Penn landing in Philadelphia. 



46 



THE EARLY DAYS OF PENNSYLVANIA 



A general assembly. — After paying his respects to the 
governor of New York and having his credentials formally 
sanctioned by him, Penn issued writs to the sheriffs of 
the three Lower Counties to summon all freeholders to 

meet on the twen- 
tieth of November 
and elect seven from 
each county to serve 
as deputies in a gen- 
eral assembly to be 
held at Upland, 
Pennsylvania, De- 
cember fourth. 
There were then 
three counties in 
Pennsylvania, name- 
ly, Philadelphia, 
Bucks, and Chester. 
Work of the as- 
sembly. — Deputies from the various counties met and 
remained in session four days. They adopted rules 
of procedure and an act uniting the three Lower 
Counties with Pennsylvania. Probably their most im- 
portant work was the adoption of the ''Great Law," 
which gave all who Uved within the colony permission to 
worship God as they pleased, and made all Christians, 
who held certain property, eligible to be electors, deputies, 
or officers of the province. It provided that the death 
penalty could be inflicted only for murder and treason. 
This was unusual, as in most countries capital punishment 
could be inflicted for the most common offenses. 
The second assembly. — A second assembly was called 




Penn's " Letitia House. 



THE EARLY DAYS OF PENNSYLVANIA 



47 



in Philadelphia, March lo, 1683, consisting of twelve dele- 
gates from each county. Three delegates from each 
county, or eighteen in all, became members of the pro- 
vincial council, the law-making body and a sort of upper 
house. In the lower house there were to be nine members 
from each county, or fifty-four in all. In the first assem- 
bly any elector might appear, but in the second only 
delegates took part in 
the deliberations. 

A new charter. — A 
new charter was drawn 
up by a committee from 
both houses. On April 
second, it was signed by 
Governor Penn and at- 
tested by the signatures 
of twelve members of 
the council and fifty- 
three members of the 
assembly. 

The charter provided 
for highways and ferries 
over the neighboring 
streams. Other pro- 
visions were that "the governor and provincial council 
shall erect and order all pubHc schools," and that ''all 
persons in this Province and territories thereof, having 
children, and all guardians or trustees of orphans, shall 
cause such to be instructed in reading and writing, so 
that they may be able to read the Scriptures, and to write 
by the time they attain to twelve years of age; and that 
they may be taught some useful trade or skill, that the 




The kind of ship in which Penn came 
to America. 



48 THE EARLY DAYS OF PENNSYLVANIA 

poor man may work to live, and the rich, if they become 
poor, may not want, of which every county shall take 
care. " 

First Philadelphia schoolmaster. — In December, 1683, 
Enoch Flower, who had had experience in England, was em- 
ployed by the council to teach the children of the town 
upon the following terms: ''to learn to read EngUsh, 4 s 
by the Quarter; to learn to read and write, 4 s by ye Quar- 
ter; to learn to read, write, and cast acco't, 8 s by quarter; 
for Boarding a Scholler, that is to say, dyet, washing, lodg- 
ing, & Schooling, Tenn pounds for one whole year." 





^ . "l ,,^ *.»p^i;^l?3siii^^^^Mi 




WmM 


'i^^^ 


^^ 



Penn's treaty with the Indians. From West's painting. 



Treaty with the Indians. — One of the best known acts 
of Penn's first year in the province is the Great Treaty 
with the Indians. There had been a number of agree- 



THE EARLY DAYS OF PENNSYLVANIA 49 

merits and purchases by Penn or his followers with the 
red men and on this account there is some doubt just when 
the Great Treaty was made. The twenty-third of June, 
1683, is usually fixed upon as the date. The meeting 
probably took place under a great elm at Shakamaxon 
where the Indians had been accustomed to congregate 
even before the time of Penn. The scene must have been 
a picturesque one. The Indians with their wealth of color 
and the Quakers in their plain garb, with the woods as the 
background and the great tree overhead, form a subject 
which would be likely to appeal to the imagination of the 
greatest of artists. Benjamin West, a native of Penn- 
sylvania and one of the greatest painters of his day, has 
chosen this as the subject of one of his pictures. 

Voltaire's opinion.— This treaty, according to Voltaire, 
the French philosopher and writer, was ''the only treaty 
not sworn to and never broken." As long as Penn lived 
and was in control of his colony, he kept his word with 
the Indians. Even after they had been wronged by the 
white man and had gone to war against him, the Indians 
still revered the name of WilHam Penn. 

Trial of witches. — In the year 1684 occurred the only 
instance of a trial of witches in Pennsylvania : two women 
were accused of having bewitched their neighbors' cows. 
One was convicted of ''haveing the Common fame of a 
witch, but not guilty in manner and forme as She stands 
Indicted." This evidence of the superstition of the time 
is amusing, but the mildness of the Quakers is in sharp 
contrast with the outbreaks of feeHng on the subject of 
witchcraft in New England and elsewhere. 

Penn returns to England. — Penn remained in America 
two years and then returned to England, hoping to use 



50 THE EARLY DAYS OF PENNSYLVANIA 

his influence at court against the persecutions of Friends. 
He left the council, with Thomas Lloyd as president, to 
act as governor in his absence. In 1688 Lloyd asked to 
be reheved when a commission was received from Penn 
appointing five persons including Lloyd to act as his depu- 
ties. The lieutenant-governorship was again offered to 
Lloyd but he refused and Penn appointed Captain John 
Blackwell to the position. There then occurred a number 
of disagreements between Blackwell and Lloyd and the 
council, which lasted until after the lieutenant governor 
was removed. Then came a quarrel between the repre- 
sentatives from the Lower Counties and those from Penn- 
sylvania. This ended in Penn's appointing Markham 
lieutenant governor over the Lower Counties and Lloyd 
over Pennsylvania. 

George Keith. — During Lloyd's administration a differ- 
ence arose in the membership of the Society of Friends. 
George Keith, one of their greatest preachers, made attacks 
upon various members, which finally led to his leaving the 
denomination and to many of his followers' joining other 
churches. Bradford, the printer, and others who sided 
with them were thrown into prison for publishing seditious 
articles. 

Governor Fletcher. — Penn met with various financial 
losses and was under great personal expense in founding 
his colony. His friendship for James II made people sus- 
pect him of being a Catholic. Finally, beset by enemies 
at home and abroad, he was relieved of the government 
of his colony and Benjamin Fletcher became governor. 
It is probable that those in power in England thought 
that as Penn was a Quaker who did not believe in war 
it would be better to have a governor who would be willing 



THE EARLY DAYS OF PEXXSYLVANIA 



51 



to defend the colony against the French. Fletcher, a 
man of abihty and tact, offered the first place in the 
council to Lloyd, who decHned it; then he appointed 
^larkham and with the consent of the other councilors 
made him lieutenant 
governor. 

Penn restored. — On 
August 20, 1694, one 
year and ten months after 
being deprived of his pro- 
prietary rights, Penn was 
returned to power. He 
was not, however, able 
to go to America at the 
time and was compelled 
to select a deputy to 
act in his stead. Mark- 
ham, although now old, 
seemed to be the best 
available man; so he was 
appointed with John 
Goodson and Samuel Car- 
penter as his assistants. 

Markham, lieutenant governor. — ^Markham was in- 
structed to put the government into the same condition 
that had obtained before Fletcher had taken possession. 
A new set of laws was accordingly prepared and passed 
which were called "Markham's Frame." It was a repe- 
tition of all the laws which had existed under Penn with 
some improvements. 

iVIarkham made himself so unpopular that charges of 
mismanagement were brought against him. The seas were 




Penn's secretary. 



52 THE EARLY DAYS OF PENNSYLVANIA 

full of pirates who took refuge in the Delaware waters, 
and as the Quakers were too peaceful to drive them out 
by force, Markham was accused of being in league with 
them. There was considerable pressure brought to bear 
upon Penn to remove the lieutenant governor. 

Penn's return. — Having confidence in his cousin's in- 
tegrity and not wishing to ask for his resignation, Penn 
returned to his province and became governor in person. 
He landed at Chester during the first part" of December, 
1699, and proceeded to Philadelphia next day. His first 
wife had been dead five years and he was accompanied 
by another whom he had married a number of months 
before. 

. For the first month after reaching Philadelphia, they 
were guests at the house of Edward Shippen. Penn then 
took his family to the ''slate-roof house" on Second Street 
between Chestnut and Walnut. Some months afterwards 
his son John was born. This was the only one of his 
children to be born in Pennsylvania and on this account 
he has usually been known as "the American." 

Penn as governor. — On this second visit to America, 
Penn found things very different from the first time; 
there was a considerable settlement with new conditions 
for him to meet. He found that he had lost some of his 
influence with the council but he very generously yielded 
to them in the things which were not essential. Most of 
the trouble came from the Lower Counties. Finally an 
agreement was made upon Penn's promise of a conditional 
separation for them in three years if they still desired. 
The results of these deliberations with the council were 
incorporated in what is known as the Charter of Priv- 
ileges," which remained in effect until the Revolution. 



THE EARLY DAYS OF PENNSYLVANIA 



53 



After this constitution had been adopted by the as- 
sembly, October 28, 1701, Penn appointed Andrew Ham- 
ilton, a former governor of New Jersey, as his deputy. 

Pennsbury. — During his first visit Penn had started 
the erection of a fine mansion about twenty miles above 
the city, which he called Pennsbury. Every now and then 
he would send directions for its improvement. While he 
was in Europe Markham had completed it, and it was 
the finest governor's residence in the colonies. 

It was surrounded by beautiful lawns and terraces, 
planned by a landscape gardener brought from Europe. 
An avenue of poplars shaded a path to the banks of the 
Delaware and there were rustic walks cut through the 
forests. To this house 
Penn and his family 
used to repair during 
the summer months. 
Barges or a fine coach 
would convey him or 
his guests back and 
forth. There he 
would entertain his 
numerous friends in 
a lavish manner. 
One large room was 
used in his confer 




THE HOLY 

BIBLE, 



TESTAMENTS, 



Newly Tr-mllAKd our of the 

Original Tongues .and with 

the loiiner Ti inlltions dilf 

g^nlly Comp^rrtJ Ani 

RtvlVd. 

With Marginal Notes, 

SHEWING 



LONDON, 

^nlkixM^Ht) v4'»* £V-. i»»* ^ y 



William Penn's Bible and bookplate. 



ences with the Indians and he sometimes entertained 
hundreds of them at a time at a great table under the 
trees. 

Philip Ford.— In 1701, Penn was called to England to 
defend his title to the province since a proposition was on 
foot to turn it into a royal province. Penn was never a 



54 THE EARLY DAYS OF PENNSYLVANIA 

good manager and had given his affairs into the hands of 
a friend named Philip Ford. Ford made numerous claims 
against Penn for commissions and salary, and pressed his 
claims at times when Penn could little afford to pay him. 
Finally Ford demanded that Penn sign over all his rights 
to the properties in Pennsylvania as security. This Penn 
did, rather than be bothered with him, but the matter 
was contested in court through Penn's friends and decided 
in favor of Penn. Ford was evidently a rascal and took 
advantage of Penn's weakness. 

At one time Penn was so hard pressed by his creditors 
that he was compelled to go to prison. There he stayed 
for nine months until a compromise was effected by his 
friends. 

SUMMARY 

Not being able to go himself, Penn sent his cousin, Markham, to 
start the colony. Markham called a council at Upland and insti- 
tuted the new government. Then he started to lay out the city of 
Philadelphia. Penn arrived in 1682. One of the first things he did 
was to call an assembly and offer them a " Frame of Government." 
Under this there was to be religious freedom and the people were 
to have a voice in making the laws. Penn early made his Great 
Treaty with the Indians. After two years Penn was compelled 
to return to England. Thomas Lloyd and the council were left in 
charge. During the French war Penn was removed from power 
and a soldier, Governor Fletcher, was made governor. After 
a time Penn was returned to power and appointed Markham 
as his deputy. Charges being made against Markham, Penn re- 
turned to America and assumed power. As there was a move on 
foot to make Pennsylvania a royal province Penn again returned 
to England. There he had many business troubles with an un- 
scrupulous man named Ford, at one time even being thrown into 
prison for debt. 



THE EARLY DAYS OF PENNSYLVANIA 55 

QUESTIONS 

1. Why did Penn not come with his colony? 

2. How does this country differ from what it was in the time 
of Penn? 

3. Why was Philadelphia located where it is? 

4. Where did Penn first go when he came to America? 

5. What was the state of Delaware first called? 

6. How did the first colonists find shelter? 

7. Name the first counties in Pennsylvania. 

8. What were the important features of Penn's charter? 

9. Describe the Great Treaty. 

10. Why did Penn return to England the second time? 

11. Why was Fletcher made governor? 

12. What made Penn return to Pennsylvania the second time? 

13. Name Penn's homes in Pennsylvania. 

14. What business troubles did Penn have? 

REFERENCES 

Bancroft: United States. 
Fiske: Dutch and Quaker Colonies. 
Sharpless: Quaker Experiment, Chap. VI. 
Jenkins: Pennsylvania, Colonial and Federal. 
Fisher: Pennsylvania, Colony and Commonwealth. 
Stedman and Hutchinson: Library of American Literature. 
William Penn: A Letter to the Indians on His Departure for 
America, 1782. 

Gabriel Thomas: Account of Province and Country of Pennsylvania. 
Read: The Treaty Elm. 



CHAPTER VI 



THE COLONISTS 



Introduction. — In order to have a full understanding of 
early Pennsylvania history it is necessary to have some 
knowledge of the people who made the settlement. Penn- 
sylvania was entirely different from any other colony. 
The people in each of the others were all of the same kind; 
in Pennsylvania they were of many different races and re- 
ligions. Penn had offered the persecuted of his time a 
place where they could worship God as they pleased. For 

this reason the op- 
pressed of many 
lands and many 
sects flocked to the 
colony. In addition, 
there were many 
who sought the new 
land because of the 
business opportuni- 
ties which it offered. 
The Quakers. — 
The Quakers, who 
followed the Dutch and Swedes, soon surpassed all other 
peoples in numbers and for a hundred years were the 
dominant sect. They, as we know, did not believe in 
war and refused to pay taxes for its support. Many of 

56 







Quaker Church at Merion. 



THE COLONISTS 



57 



the quarrels of the early governors with the colonists 
were the result of this principle. There • were, however, 
many Quakers who were wiUing to fight when attacked, 
but these lost standing in their denomination. Many of 
the sect were willing to contribute to the support of war 
indirectly; that is they would purchase suppKes for the 
armies and lend whatever assistance they could to the 
hospitals. 

When Penn died, his descendants became members of 
the Church of England; then the officers who were ap- 
pointed by the proprietors were usually members of that 
body. At one time a law 
was passed that only those 
who took certain oaths 
could hold office. As the 
Quakers would not swear, 
they were ineligible. 

The Welsh.— Most of 
the Friends were of 
Enghsh stock, but there 
were many who were 
Welshmen. These settled 
on a tract on the west 
side of the Schuylkill, 
called the ^' Welsh Barony," 
and situated along where the main line of the Penn- 
sylvania Railroad now runs in Montgomery and Del- 
aware counties. Names in the vicinity such as Rad- 
nor, Bryn Mawr,i and Merion are of Welsh origin. St. 
David's Church was built by them in 1717 and is still 
in use. At first they occupied the Barony alone, but 

1 brin mar' 




Quakers. 



58 



THE COLONISTS 




St. David's Episcopal Church. 



gradually others were allowed to settle there and, little 
by little, the Welsh were absorbed by the EngHsh and 
disappeared as a distinct community. One of the best 
known Welshmen of early times was Thomas Lloyd, 
who took a very active part in the management of the 
province. 

The Mennonites. — The Mennonites first came to the 
colony on Delaware Bay in 1662 
under Plockhoy but the settle- 
ment was soon scattered. In 
1682 and 1683 they began to 
arrive in great numbers and with 
them came Francis Daniel Pas- 
torius, a schoolmaster and man 
of university education. These 
settled in Germantown, which 
became the leading community of the Germans in the 




Menno Simons. 



THE COLONISTS 



59 



New World. The Mennonites were followers of Menno 
Simons, who held behefs similar to those of the Quakers. 
Since they did not believe in war or oaths and usually 
supported the Quakers in their poHtical contentions, they 
were frequently called German Quakers. Later the 
Tunkers or Bunkers joined them. The Amish^ also 
were one of the divisions of the sect. 

The Tunkers. — The word Tunker means "dipper." It 
has been corrupted into Bunker, Bunkard, Tumpler, and 
Bumpier. They beheve in baptism by immersion, hence 
their name. In 
1719 and 1729 they 
came in great num- 
bers to America and 
first settled about 
Germantown. The 
men wore long 
beards and coarse 
clothes, and refused 
to take oaths or to 
bear arms. 

Germantown. — 
Germantown b e - 

came the home of many early industries in the colonies. 
The Germans were a race of weavers and their goods be- 
came famous throughout the colonies. They were the be- 
ginners in textile working in which Philadelphia is now 
one of the leading cities of the world. In 1690, they 
manufactured paper on the Wissahickon, becoming thereby 
the first in America to engage in this industry. They 
early set up a press and pubHshed the first Bible in the 

^ am'ish 




Home of Pastorius, Germantown. 



6o 



THE COLONISTS 



German language to be printed in America. The type 
was made in Germantown. 

Education. — One of the early schoolmasters in the colony 
was Christopher Dock, who had many ingenious ways of 
interesting his pupils. His friend, the publisher Christo- 



■^ ^ 

"^1 






■i 







The Germantown Academy, established in 1749. 



pher Sauer, persuaded him to write for publication an ac- 
count of his methods of teaching. This was the first book 
on such a subject pubHshed in America. One of the 
earliest educational institutions of Pennsylvania was the 
Academy of Germantown. It is still in operation. 

Ephrata. — An important offshoot of the Tunker colony 
in Germantown was formed at Ephrata under Conrad 
Beissel, who came to this country in 1720. He thought 
that the condition of the people would be improved by a 
monastic life and a life of celibacy. At Ephrata they 



THE COLONISTS 



6l 



early set up a printing press and many interesting works 
issued from it, among them a hymn book and other works 
in German. They conducted a day school and the first 
Sunday school in the 
country. One of their 
interesting religious cer- 
emonies was that of 
washing the feet. The 
old buildings of the 
community, which were 
used for hospital pur- 
poses during the Revo- 
lutionary War, are still 
standing. 

Kelpius. — Many of 
the early German in- 
habitants of Pennsylva- 
nia seemed to be drawn 
to a quiet, reflective life. 
Some of them became 
hermits and lived in 
caves. A number of 
such were to be found 
in the ravines near the 
Wissahickon in what is 
now Fairmount Park. One of these, Kelpius, was the leader 
of a sect known as the '' Society of the Woman in the Wilder- 
ness." These arrived in America as early as 1694. Kelpius, 
who is spoken of by Whittier in his Pennsylvania Pilgrim^ 
knew Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, and wrote English well. 

Germans from New York.— A considerable number of 
Germans from Europe were sent to New York and sold there 




Sara Maria, the ship in which Kelpius 
came to America. 



62 THE COLONISTS 

for a term of years to pay for their passage. They were 
then taken to Livingston Manor, a tract of land which was 
rented in small farms to tenants, where they were to work. 
Running away from their masters in 1723, about thirty- 
three families floated down the Susquehanna from its 
source in New York, to the mouth of the Swatara and, fol- 
lowing up that stream, finally settled in the valley of the 
Tulpehocken in Berks County, west of Reading. 

The Swenkfelders. — Seventy families of Germans ar- 
rived in Philadelphia in the ship St. Andrew in 1734. 
They were Swenkfelders, a sect founded by Kasper Swenk- 
f elder, who was born in 1490. Persecuted and reduced 
to poverty, they finally sought refuge in Pennsylvania and 
settled at the headwaters of the Perkiomen, where their 
descendants still live. They are said to be the only people 
of their faith in the world. For many years after they 
came to this country they worshiped not in churches but 
in each other's houses, as they had done in Europe in the 
days of their persecution. 

The Lutherans and Reformed. — Large numbers of 
Germans belonging to the Lutheran and Reformed churches 
came into this country and settled on the fertile lands 
running from Easton through Allentown, Reading, and 
Lebanon, to the Cumberland Valley. They had been 
residents of the Palatines in Germany, and were called 
Palatinates. Many of them were uneducated and for a 
time did not organize into churches. They had been in- 
duced to emigrate by books with title pages of gold, 
which had been sent out by Queen Anne and were known 
as the " Golden Books. " These described the colonies in 
such a way as to attract settlers. In the years 1708 and 
1709 over thirty thousand Lutherans came to America. 



THE COLONISTS 



63 



About four hundred members of the Reformed Church 
came to Pennsylvania under the leadership of Reverend 
George Michael Weiss in 1727 and settled on the Skip- 
pack Creek. Later 

the Reverend Mi- ^ , .■\^a ^ 

chad Schlatter or- fM ^ >-, ^^ ■ ^ 



ganized the Re- !'A^' 




formed Church in " IM IM *] ^__.,^ W 

America as a part 
of the church in 
Holland. They are 
now an independent 

^ Lutheran church at Trappe. 

sect. 

Muhlenberg. — The Lutherans were much more nu- 
merous than the Reformed. They were organized by 
Muhlenberg, a graduate of the University of Gottingen 
in Germany and a man of great learning and of unusual 
executive abihty. He was the ancestor of one of the most 
distinguished families in America. 

The Germans on War. — While most of the Germans 
of Pennsylvania were opposed to war and usually sided 
with the Quakers, the Lutherans and Reformed bore their 
part whenever they were needed. Indeed, one of Muhlen- 
berg's sons, who afterwards became a general in the 
Revolutionary army, when in his pulpit in Virginia, threw 
his gown from his shoulders, displayed beneath it the 
uniform of a continental soldier, and called upon the men 
in his congregation to join him in the war against England. 

The Moravians. — The Moravians were originally a 
people of Slavonic race who lived in ]\Ioravia and Bo- 
hemia. The founder of the sect was John Huss, who lived 
before the time of Luther, and before the Reformation. 



64 



THE COLONISTS 




He threw his gown from his shoulders.' 



Their original title was ''Unitas Fratrum.''^ At one time 
they numbered about two hundred thousand members. 
After much persecution they were destroyed and scattered 
so that there were finally only about three hundred left. 
In 1722, these were invited to occupy the estate of Count 
Zinzendorf in Saxony almost three hundred years after 
their founding. 

In America. — When the Moravians came to America, 
they first settled in Georgia. Having been ordered, con- 
trary to their convictions, to take up arms against the 
Spaniards, they migrated to Pennsylvania in 1739 and 
started a settlement at Nazareth in a house being built 
by the famous preacher, Whitefield. They finished the 
house and lived there until 1741; then being disturbed 
by Indians, they began a new settlement on the Lehigh 
at a place which has since been known as Bethlehem. 

^ United Brethren. 



THE COLONISTS 



6S 



Bethlehem. — Franklin, in his letters and autobiography, 
has given us an interesting account of Bethlehem and its 
people. The community houses were built on three sides 
of a square. Unlike the monks at Ephrata, they believed 
Everything that they raised or made was 



. ., — :;: — "■tf" — *"'fetit [■"'^ 






l»^^^rrt^^^^^3^^ 








One of the community houses in Bethlehem. 

given over to the church, which in turn furnished each 
person with food, clothes, and shelter. They educated the 
children and conducted a number of industries whose prod- 
ucts gained a good reputation throughout the colonies. 

The streets of the town were lined with fruit trees and 
as it was situated on one of the early routes to New Eng- 
land, the town and its aspects became well known in the 
colonies. This was especially true of the famous Sun Inn, 
which was owned by the church until recent years. This 
has had under its roof many of the most famous men of 
this and other countries. Among them were Washington 
and Lafayette. 

Moravian beliefs. — The Moravians had many changes 



66 THE COLONISTS 

in religious belief during their history. At the time of 
the settlement they had many of the beliefs then common 
to the other German sects. They were opposed to taking 
oaths and bearing arms and they practiced foot-washing. 
Later, however, they followed more nearly the practice 
and government of the Episcopal Church. While they did 
not believe in war, they assisted the cause of the colonies 
in their war with England by allowing their buildings to 
be used as a hospital after the battle of Brandywine. 

Missionary work. — Their greatest work was done in 
educating the Indians and in converting them to Chris- 
tianity. They succeeded in forming settlements of these 
converts and in getting them to follow the arts and ways 
of the white man. One of these settlements was at Wya- 
lusing. 

Education. — The Moravians were pioneers in education. 
One of their bishops in the Old World, Comenius, who died 
in 1670, is known wherever the science of education is 
studied. The Moravians of Pennsylvania early opened 
schools. There is a boys' school in Nazareth which has 
been in operation for more than a hundred years; older 
still is the girls' seminary in Bethlehem. This was prob- 
ably the first institution in America used exclusively for 
the education of women. 

The Scotch-Irish. — The people who are called Scotch- 
Irish are sometimes neither Scotch nor Irish. Elizabeth 
and James I of England dispossessed many of the Irish 
people of their estates and then sent over Englishmen 
and Scotch to take their places. These people were really 
Scotch and EngUsh. Shortly after the opening up of Penn- 
sylvania these hardy people came to America in great 
numbers. They were a restless race and got into many 



THE COLONISTS 



67 



quarrels with the Germans in the colony. At first, they 
had their settlement on the fertile lands of the valley run- 
ning from Easton to CarHsle, and Scotch-Irish names are 
to be found given to places throughout that region. But 




Nazareth Hall at Nazareth. 



Penn soon found it advisable to send them to the frontiers. 
In those wild regions their energy was badly needed both 
in subduing the Indians and in conquering the soil. 

They were Presbyterians and planted schools and col- 
leges with their churches. Their largest settlements were 
in southwestern Pennsylvania. East of the Blue Moun- 
tains they were crowded out by the Germans, though here 
and there may be still found a Presbyterian church in the 
midst of a German settlement. Dickinson College was 
started by them in 1783, but was afterwards taken over 
by the Methodists. The charter of the institution is 
now undenominational, although the college is still under 



68 THE COLONISTS 

Methodist influences. Allegheny College at Meadville 
has had a similar history, and Washington and Jefferson 
College at Washington, in the southwestern part of the 
state, is the union of two institutions founded by these 
people in the latter part of the eighteenth century. 

The Huguenots. — The Huguenots were French followers 
of Calvin who were driven from their country by the 
persecution of the period. They settled in various places 
in America and many of them came to Pennsylvania. There 
was a considerable colony of them in the Pequea Valley 
in the northern part of Lancaster County. They quickly 
lost their identity and adopted the speech and customs of 
their neighbors. They are usually spoken of as Penn- 
sylvania Dutch and confounded w^ith the descendants of 
the German settlers. 

The Connecticut Yankees. — For more than a hundred 
years after the settlement of Pennsylvania by Penn, 
Connecticut claimed the northern half of the colony. In 
1762, these New England people started a settlement 
in the Wyoming Valley. From time to time the numbers 
grew and formed another important element in the make-up 
of the people of the colony. They brought with them the 
New England notion of education and claim to have founded 
the first public schools in Pennsylvania. 

SUMMARY 

Because Pennsylvania was the one place in the world where there 
was reUgious toleration, the oppressed from many places in Europe 
came to settle there. Many people, therefore, of unusual religious 
practices and beliefs are to be found in the state. Among the de- 
nominations represented are Quakers, Mennonites, Dunkers, Swenk- 
felders, Moravians, Lutherans, Reformed, Huguenots, Scotch-Irish 
Presbyterians, and Episcopalians. The Quakers and Germans were 



THE COLONISTS 69 

peace-bving people who wished nothing better than to be left to 
themselves. They had in their number many educated men who 
early established schools. The Scotch-Irish and Episcopalian, or 
Church of England men, as the latter were formerly called, believed 
in fighting for their rights. Because of their aggressiveness they 
furnished a large number of leading men. They also founded schools 
and colleges. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. Which of the Pennsylvania denominations were opposed to 
war? Which would fight when necessary? 

2. Mark out on a map the locations of the different denominations. 

3. Name the educational institutions mentioned in this chapter. 

4. By means of reference books lind out facts about the colleges 
in the state. 

5. Who are some of the followers of Calvin? 

6. Find out what you can about the Bethlehem of to-day. 

7. Write in a column the names of the different religious de- 
nominations in Pennsylvania, and after each the name of its founder. 

8. Find out the subjects for the religious pictures in the corridor 
of the state capitol. 

9. Who wrote the first book on education in America? Who 
published the first Bible? 

10. Look up the meanings of the words " barony," " monastic," 
" celibacy," " Slavonic," which were used in this chapter. 

REFERENCES 

Proud: History of Pennsylvania. 

Fisher: Making of Pennsylvania. 

Franklin: Autobiography. 

Pennypacker: The Settlement of Germantown. 

Levering: A History of Bethlehem. 

Whittier: The Pennsylvania Pilgrim. 

The Quaker Alumni. 
T. B. Read: The Rising in 1776. 



CHAPTER VII 
THE LAST DAYS OF PENN 



""^fti?^ 



Prosperity. — When Penn went to England in 1701, he 
left never to return. The colony was happy and pros- 
perous. The city was busy and the farms yielded abun- 
dantly. All letters relating to the period describe the 

condition of the col- 
ony in glowing terms. 
Notwithstanding the 
prosperity that sur- 
rounded all, there was 
little money, because 
currency had not 
come into the same 
general use that we 
find now. Persons 
paid for things by 
other articles of value. 
A farmer would buy 
his sugar with pota- 
toes; a trader might buy his powder and shot with furs. 
People had not yet discovered the convenience of paper 
money. 

Government. — The government was conducted by a 
lieutenant governor and council appointed by the proprietor 
and an assembly elected by the people. The assembly was 

70 




^BIB 



London Coffee House, erected in Philadelphia 
in 1701. 



THE LAST DAYS OF PENN 71 

ever at odds with the council and governor over things 
which seem trivial to us now, but which were thought of 
much consequence then. The common people of other 
countries had little share in government in those days, and 
in this colony where Penn was making an experiment in 
democracy, the people seemed to be jealous of their 
authority. 

Some of the subjects on which they differed were im- 
portant enough. Defense must be made against pirates 
and the frontier must be protected against Indians. This 
meant that taxes must be levied and companies of soldiers 
raised and armed. But the Quakers who were opposed to 
these things controlled the assembly, and Penn, in his later 
life, was forced by the English crown to appoint as governor 
men who had no such scruples. This led to ceaseless bick- 
erings which lasted until the Revolution. 

Punishments. — In early times people were put to death 
for many different crimes, but the Quakers did not believe 
in such severity. Many of the discussions between the 
lavv^-making bodies were over the amount and kind of 
punishments which should be inflicted for the different 
kinds of offenses. The Quakers had beHefs and practices 
which were Uke those in use in civilized countries to-day 
and their experiments in Pennsylvania had much to do 
with showing the world that leniency did not interfere with 
good government. 

Blue laws. — There were a number of minor laws, how- 
ever, that are no longer enforced. Some of them are still 
in existence and are sometimes called ''blue laws." People 
were fined for telling a He or playing cards, and for smoking 
on the streets of Philadelphia. There were various fines 
or terms of imprisonment for working on Sunday, swearing, 



72 THE LAST DAYS OF PENN 

selling rum to Indians, taking part in plays or doubtful 
amusements, as well as for worse misdemeanors. 

Governor Evans. — Penn was not always wise in his 
appointments. After Governor Andrew Hamilton died 
and William Markham had grown too old to take up the 
reins of government again, he appointed a young man 
by the name of John Evans to act as heutenant governor. 
Evans had more frivolity than was desired by the Quakers 
and soon got into trouble. 

William Penn, Jr. — Penn had a son, named after him- 
self, whose riotous living caused his father much un- 
happiness. Thinking that the associations and responsi- 
bilities of the new country might have a wholesome effect 
upon him, Penn sent him to Philadelphia and committed 
him to the care of Evans and James Logan, the secretary 
of the colony. The young man found Evans more to his 
taste than Logan. The former, however, was so far untrue 
to his trust that he took the young man with him on some 
of his carousals and on one occasion was so hilarious that 
he and Penn were arrested by the guard. The young man 
soon returned to Europe where he died shortly after- 
wards. 

Governor Evans's alarm. — As Evans was anxious to show 
his loyalty to the crown, he tried in every way to raise 
money and troops to help fight the French, with whom 
the English were then at war. The Quakers as usual would 
not respond. So thinking to scare them into compliance 
with his plans, he rode rapidly through the streets of 
Philadelphia with his sword at his side shouting that the 
French were at hand and calling the people to arms. Great 
terror seized many people and some even hid their silver 
and other possessions. To the call to arms few responded, 



THE LAST DAYS OF PENN 



73 



and when the true state of affairs was learned, his ruse 
reacted against the governor. 

The fort. — Wishing to retahate against the people of 
Philadelphia for their lack of support, Evans, who was 
at the same time the governor of Dela- 
ware, got the legislature of that colony to 
build a fort at New Castle and to de- 
mand a tax from the vessels passing. It 
happened that at this time a sloop was 
about to depart for the West Indies. 
Evans went in per- 
son to see that his 
orders were car- 
ried out. The 
vessel was 
fired upon 
but pro- 
ceeded on 
her way to 
Salem on 
the New 
Jersey 
side. Ev- 
fol- 




ans 



by 



•He rode through the streets of Philadelphia. 



lowed 

boat. When he arrived there he found Lord Cornbury, 
the governor of New York and New Jersey. When 
Evans commanded Cornbury to turn the boat over to 
him, he was refused and the sloop was allowed to proceed 
on its way. 

These events gained for Evans the contempt of the 
colonists and hastened his recall. 



74 THE LAST DAYS OF PENN 

James Logan. — At this time there were three parties in 
Pennsylvania. The proprietary party, comprised of the 
friends and followers of Penn, was led by James Logan. 
He was a stern Quaker, very much an aristocrat, and was, 
to the time of his death, one of the leading men of the 
colony. He was known to have the ear of Penn. He was 
a student and a collector of books; when he died he gave 
the city his library of about three thousand volumes, which 
still form a part of the Philadelphia Public Library. 

Robert Quarry. — The second party was the Church of 
England party. They were few in numbers. Their leader 
was Colonel Robert Quarry, a judge of admiralty. He 
was always scheming to get the offices into the hands of 
the members of his faith. He had hopes of having the 
colony made into a royal province and kept his friends 
and Penn's enemies in England informed about affairs in 
Pennsylvania. One of the ways in which he was embar- 
rassing to the Quakers was by agitating the question of 
the taking of oaths by the members of the council and 
other officials. As he was not under the jurisdiction of 
the proprietor, it was impossible to get rid of him. 

David Lloyd. — The third was the popular party, under 
the leadership of a Quaker named David Lloyd. From 
the first, Lloyd became one of the foremost men of the 
colony. At this time he was actuated by a feeling of 
intense hostility to Penn, although this was not known 
until later. He was strict in his reHgious practices and 
in this way earned the respect of the Friends in the country 
as opposed to the more lax members in the city. He got 
the assembly to pass resolutions against Penn which, 
among other things, criticized him on account of the 
conduct of his. son. The resolutions were so bitter that 



THE LAST DAYS OF PENN 



75 



everybody disclaimed connection with them. The re- 
action was so great that Lloyd was retired for a time from 
the assembly and Penn's friends were put in control. 

Governor Gookin. — Charles Gookin succeeded Evans as 
governor. He had been a soldier and one of the first things 
he did in his new position was to try to get the assembly 
to appropriate money for an expedition against the French 
in Canada. At first the assembly refused, but finally ap- 
propriated half the amount ''for the Queen's use." During 
his administration the subject of taking oaths was again 
agitated. This resulted in the dismissal of Gookin and the 
appointment of Sir William Keith in 1718. 

Sir William Keith. — Keith was one of the best gov- 
ernors of colonial Pennsylvania. He was energetic 
and diplomatic, and 
under his adminis- 
tration the colony 
prospered. Such 
large numbers of im- 
migrants, — some of 
them undesirable, — 
poured into the coun- 
try, that often there 
was not enough work 
to supply them all. 

As money became scarce in all the colonies, some of them 
began to issue paper money, which soon depreciated in 
value. As there was a great deal of pressure to have 
paper money in Pennsylvania, Keith devised a system of 
issuing it upon plate and other property as security. It 
then kept its value and became very useful in business 
transactions. 




•^^JK^ 



William Keith's home. 



76 



THE LAST DAYS OF PENN 



Penn's death. — In 1718 William Penn died, one of the 
greatest men of his time. Many of his ideals are common 
enough now, but in his day he stood almost alone among 
rulers in furthering government by the people, moderation 
in the punishment for crimes, and peaceful measures in 
deahng with all — savage or white man. If he had chosen to 
manage his colony for his own personal profit he could have 

become very wealthy; but 
his main thought was the 
good of the people. 

Penn's will. • — For a 
number of years before 
his death the management 
of his affairs was in the 
hands of his wife. In this 
she showed marked abil- 
ity. Upon his death, she 
became his executrix and 
trustee. He left his estate 
in Pennsylvania to her 
and her children and his 
other estates to the chil- 
dren of his former wife. 

Keith's administration. 
— Keith became popular 
with the people and with 
the assembly, which rewarded his services liberally. 
He carried on a businesslike administration but got 
into trouble by ignoring the council and removing 
James Logan from his position as secretary of the province 
and member of the council. Logan would not accept 
this as final and referred the matter to Penn's widow. 




Franklin as he entered Philadelphia. 



THE LAST DAYS OF PENN 



77 



When she sided with Logan and ordered that he be re- 
tained in the positions, Keith practicaUy defied her. She, 
however, quietly removed him. 

Benjamin Franklin. — Although it did not seem so at the 
time, one of the most important events of Keith's admin- 
istration was the coming of Benjamin Franklin^ in 1723. 
He came to Philadelphia a poor boy, and as he describes 
it himself, he must have made a ridiculous appearance. 
Later he became the most important figure in the colony 
and one of the greatest in the nation. At first he was a 
printer, but he 
turned his attention 
to a number of ways 
of making money 
and was able at a 
comparatively early 
age to retire from 
business and devote 
himself to science 
and the advance- 
ment of the people. 
He first obtained 

fame by proving that lightning is electricity; later he made 
a number of interesting scientific experiments and discov- 
eries. He was intensely practical and his suggestions made 
Philadelphia the most up-to-date city of its time. His 
advice was sought and given upon every affair of state 
or nation and he spent much of his Hfe in pubHc positions 
of highest honor and usefulness. 

His writings. — He was the author of a number of books 
and pamphlets. His best-known writings are his Auto- 
biography and Poor Richard's Almanac. Many wise say- 




Franklin's printing shop. 



78 THE LAST DAYS OF PENN 

ings and proverbs found in the latter soon came into 
everyday use throughout the colonies. 

John Bartram. — A short distance out of old Philadelphia 
on the Darby road lived, over two hundred years ago, a 
man by the name of John Bartram. He was of Quaker 
descent and was born near Darby in 1699. He became 




John Bartram's house. 



one of America's greatest scientists. He was a physician, 
having studied medicine and surgery, but it was in the 
science of botany that he became famous. He has been 
spoken of as the American Linnaeus,^ and was a personal 
friend and constant correspondent of that distinguished 
Swedish scientist. In 1728 Bartram established at King- 
sessing the first botanical garden in America. His old house 

1 li ne'us 



THE LAST DAYS OF PENN 



79 




A fat lamp. 



at Gray's Ferry still stands in good preservation. In it he 
entertained distinguished guests from this and other coun- 
tries. Upon the walls of the rooms may be seen specimens 
of flowers which he had mounted and 
classified, and some of his own original 
drawings of new plants which he had dis- 
covered. There may be seen an old wood 
stove invented by his friend Benjamin 
FrankHn and presented to him, and through- 
out the house are still to be found various 
pieces of furniture and utensils which had 
been used by him. The hothouses and 
gardens are no longer there, but the old 
trees which he collected and planted are still growing 
and form one of the noblest collections of the kind in 
America. 

Patrick Gordon. — Patrick Gordon was appointed by 
Penn's widow to succeed Governor Keith. He was a man 
past eighty years of age but he proved a most admirable 
ruler. During his administration Lancaster County 
was set off from Chester and the boundary dispute with 
Lord Baltimore was taken up. It was during Gordon's 
time that the State House was built. This became 
one of the most important buildings in America. There it 
was that the colonial assembUes met and in it the Second 
Continental Congress passed the Declaration of Independ- 
ence. It has since been called Independence Hall. The 
old "Liberty Bell," which ''proclaimed liberty throughout 
the land" in 1776, was placed in the building in 1752. 
In the State House the Constitutional Convention met 
in 1787. 



8o THE LAST DAYS OF PENN 



SUMMARY 



The colony was now in a prosperous condition. The government 
was the best in the world. There was religious freedom and punish- 
ment for offenses was not excessive. Upon the death of Governor 
Hamilton, Penn made a mistake in appointing John Evans, a young 
man, whose excesses gave strength to the people's party under 
David Lloyd. Evans was removed and Gookin appointed in his 
stead. Agitation on the subject of the taking of oaths by ofhcers 
of the government proved his undoing and he was replaced by 
Keith, one of the best of the colonial governors. William Penn 
died in 1718, leaving his Pennsylvania property to the sons of his 
second wife. In 1723, a young man, whose name was Benjamin 
Frankhn, and who proved to be one of the greatest men of the 
country, came to Philadelphia. Keith, having become too sure of 
his position, defied the widow of William Penn and Patrick Gordon 
was appointed in his stead. Although old, he made an excellent 
governor. During his administration the State House was built. 

QUESTIONS 

1. What took the place of money in colonial times? 

2. What were som^ of the offenses punishable in early days? 

3. What opinion have you formed of Governor Evans? 

4. Which do you consider the finer character, Lloyd or Logan? 

5. What was the policy of Governor Gookin? 

6. What were some of the good things about Governor Keith? 

7. Write an estimate of William Penn. 

8. How did Franklin prove lightning and electricity the same? 

9. What things did Franklin invent? 

10. Give some of Franklin's wise sayings. 

11. Who was John Bar tram? 

REFERENCES 

Janney: William Penn. 
Franklin: Autobiography. 
Egle: History of Pennsylvania, 



CHAPTER VIII 



THE PENN HEIRS 



L^ 




Thomas Penn. — In 1733 Hannah Penn died. The as- 
sembly took the position that at her death the admin- 
istration of Governor Gordon was at an end; but the 
heirs, Thomas, John, and Richard Penn, quickly made 
an end to the discussion 
by reappointing Gordon. In 
1732, Thomas mads a trip to 
America. He received a cor- 
dial welcome. Governor Gor- 
don and his councilors going 
to Chester to meet him. He 
did not assume any of his 
political powers but busied 
himself with his estate and 
with Indian affairs. John 
Penn, called the '^American," 
also made a short visit in 
1734-5. He hurried back, 

however, to resist Lord Baltimore's efforts to obtain pos- 
session of Delaware. 

William Penn's Indian policy.— The policy of William 
Penn had been to deal fairly with the Indians. While he 
did not give them great sums for their land, he satisfied 
them and they felt that he was their friend. The presents 

Si 



1/ 



Hannah Penn. 



82 



THE PENN HEIRS 



which he made them were, after all, enough for uncultivated 
land at that time. He dealt in the main with the Dela- 
wares. In 1696 he obtained a deed from Governor Don- 
gan, of New York, for all the land along the Susquehanna 

whose title Dongan 
held for the Iro- 
quois. When the 
Pennsylvania In- 
dians complained 
that they had not 
been consulted 
Penn satisfied them 
by gifts. In fact, 
most of the lands 
which were held 
by white settlers in 
Pennsylvania were 
often bought and 
rebought many 
times to satisfy the 
savages. 

Policy of the 
Penn heirs.- — 
When, however, 
William Penn had 
passed away and 
his sons ruled in 
his stead, the prob- 
lem became a different one. The province had become 
more thickly settled and the proprietors had much trouble 
in keeping the colonists off the Indians' land. In those 
days it was the custom among civilized people to claim 




Penn trading with the Indians. 



THE PENN HEIRS 83 

all lands occupied by savages and the settlers could not 
understand why they should not have the lands for farms 
which were used only as hunting grounds. When finally 
Thomas Penn became the manager of the family lands in 
Pennsylvania^ he tried to conduct affairs so as to make as 
much money as possible for the estate. In doing this he 
was sometimes guilty of sharp practice with the Indians. 

Indian purchases. — In 1736, Thomas Penn made large 
purchases from the Indians. These included .all lands 
southeast of the Blue Mountains, now in York, Adams, 
Cumberland, Franklin, Dauphin, Lebanon, Lehigh, Berks, 
and Northampton counties. Thomas Penn discovered 
among the old deeds from the Indians one which entitled 
him to land from Wrightstown in Bucks County, as far 
as a man could go in a day and a half, thence due east 
to the Delaware and down toward its mouth. This had 
never been measured, so Penn made arrangements to have 
it done. When the Indians made the agreement they 
thought only of an honest day and a half's journey, which 
v/ould lead to the South Hills on the banks of the Lehigh; 
but Thomas Penn had other plans. 

The ** Walking Purchase." — In 1737 Penn obtained the 
services of the best runners in the province. After a way 
had been cleared for them and boats had been provided 
to take them across all important streams, they started 
from Wrightstown to measure off the distance. The In- 
dians who had been appointed to accompany them, soon 
dropped out of the race, disgusted and angry at the un- 
fairness of the business. One of the white runners himself 
was nearly exhausted at the end of the first day. As a 
large prize had been offered to the man making the greatest 
distance, they continued to a point many miles beyond 



84 ' THE PENN HEIRS 

the place which had been estimated by William Penn and 
the Indians as being about the right distance. To make 
matters worse, instead of running the line from that point 
on a parallel of latitude to the Delaware, they slanted it 
northward so as to take in the rich Minisink region. This 
has been called the ''Walking Purchase" and has ever 
been a disgrace to those who planned it. The Indians 
never forgave the fraud and later wreaked their vengeance 
upon the settlers. They would not leave the lands because 
they claimed they had never sold it. 

The Iroquois. — Finding that the Indians would not admit 
his right to the land, Penn, in 1742, succeeded in getting a 
meeting with the Iroquois in Philadelphia. He kept them 
as his guests for several days and made them presents. 
For many years, these New York Indians had claimed lord- 
ship over the Delawares. When the meeting was being 
held, the chief of the Iroquois upbraided the Delawares for 
daring to sell land at all. The Iroquois had not given them 
permission. In a very insulting speech he told them that 
the Delawares were "women" and he ordered them to 
leave the lands, which Penn had purchased from the 
Iroquois. 

Cresap's war. — The Penns were never able to get a 
definite agreement from the various Lords Baltimore as 
to the boundary between the colonies. The people who 
settled in certain territory did not know whether they were 
living in Pennsylvania or in Maryland. In 1736 some 
Germans in Lancaster County who had bought land of the 
Penn heirs along the Susquehanna were asked to pay rent 
to Lord Baltimore's agents. They wrote to Lord Baltimore 
and stated that they were living in Pennsylvania. Then 
the sheriff of Baltimore with three hundred armed men 



THE PENN HEIRS 



85 



attempted to drive the Germans out; but the sheriff of 
Lancaster County with a number of men demanded by 
what right the peace of the county was broken. After 
capturing one man the Marylanders returned. A man by 
the name of Cresap had made the trouble, and it was 



ily. 



'^ '^l ^ 




^ t- 







-/--^ 







The attack on Cresap. 



determined by the Pennsylvanians that he should be cap- 
tured. A warrant was issued against him for murder and 
the sheriff of Lancaster County with twenty-four men 
attempted to serve it. They found Cresap in his house 
with several men bound by oath to defend him. In the 
light which followed, the house was set on fire, one man 



S>6 



THE PENN HEIRS 



killed, and the rest captured. All but one were taken to 
Philadelphia, where, after complaint of Maryland, Cresap 
was finally released. After this the Marylanders made a 
number of expeditions against the settlers from Pennsyl- 
vania and reduced the Germans of that vicinity to poverty. 
Finally the king ordered both governors to stop the trouble 
and to make no more grants of land in the disputed territory. 
Governor Thomas. — In 1738 George Thomas was ap- 
pointed governor. He seemed to be unacquainted with the 
history of the colony and immediately opened up questions 
which had been practically settled for years. One of the 
first of these was the question of public defense. As he 
did not understand the position of the Quakers upon this 
subject, he and the assembly soon locked horns. That 
body then refused to grant his salary and practically told 
him that they were not accustomed to paying a governor 

who opposed them 
in everything. 
Eventually he 
yielded and was 
paid his back sal- 
ary of several 
years' standing. 

Benjamin West. 
— Benjamin West, 
the painter, was 
born at Spring- 
field, Pennsylvania, in 1738. His old home is on the 
campus of Swarthmore College and is one of the treas- 
ured buildings there. West was Quaker born and doubt- 
less his neighbors looked with suspicion upon him when 
he determined to become an artist. He early showed 




West's birthplace. 



THE PENN HEIRS 



87 



ability in this line and, when twenty- two years of age, 
went abroad to get acquainted with the works of the great 
masters. In 1763 he settled in London where he became a 
friend of Sir Joshua Reynolds. He was one of the found- 
ers of the Royal Academy and succeeded Reynolds as its 
president. His "Death of General Wolfe" was a depar- 
ture from tradition, and epoch-making. It represented the 




Quakers going to meeting. 



characters in dress of their time instead of in the classic 
as had been the custom. There are a number of West's 
paintings in America, the best-known being 'Tenn's Treaty 
with the Indians." 

The Spanish War. — In 1739 England was at war with 
Spain. The questions involved did not concern the 
colonies, but they had to suffer to some extent on account 
of it. The assembly would not vote money for the support 
of the war, but finally the governor succeeded in raising 



THE PENN HEIRS 



about seven hundred men, through an EngHsh officer ap- 
pointed for the purpose. These sailed for the Spanish 
Main and large numbers of them died there of yellow fever. 
One Spanish vessel entered Delaware Bay and captured 
some shipping. An Englishman who was serving as a 
sailor succeeded in escaping from her by night and warned 
the colonists. The vessel was forced by a storm to anchor 

wdthin range of the 

P^S^^^^^^^S^^^^ guns of a fort, built to 

defend the city. As 
she flew the English 
flag, she would not 
have attracted atten- 
tion, if it had not been 
for the information of 
the deserter. The fort 
opened fire upon the 
vessel and hit her in 
several places. She 
then hoisted the Span- 
ish flag and after firing 
one shot, weighed an- 
chor and left the bay. 
Paper money. — During Governor Thomas's administra- 
tion an increased amount of paper money was demanded. 
The previous issue of £75,000 in Keith's administration 
had very largely been redeemed and there was a need for 
more. An issue to the amount of £80,000 was finally pro- 
vided for. Franklin, who was then not much more than a 
boy, wrote a pamphlet advocating a very large issue of 
paper money. The governor, however, held a check over 
such desires and limited the issue within the ability of the 




Colonial paper money. 



THE PENN HEIRS 89 

colonists to pay. The result was that, whereas in the 
other colonies paper money very much depreciated in 
value, ill Pennsylvania it was held at a premium. 

War supplies. — Although the Quakers were opposed to 
war, there were many of them who were in favor of a de- 
fensive one and could frequently be induced to give in- 
directly to its support. It has been claimed that nineteen 
out of every twenty Quakers took this position. The 
assembly therefore resorted to many subterfuges in voting 
supplies for this purpose. For instance, they were ready 
to give money ''for the king's use" without specifying the 
use; or they voted money for wheat and ''other grain" for 
the troops, "other grain" being powder. The Scotch- 
Irish had now come into the colony in large numbers, so 
that the war party was really larger than the peace party. 
When in 1744 France and England were at war, Franklin, 
who was put in charge as colonel, had no difficulty in enroll- 
ing ten thousand volunteers. 

Governor Thomas resigns. — In 1746 Governor Thomas 
resigned because of ill health. After he had come to an un- 
derstanding with the assembly he got along without trouble. 
For nearly three years the colony was without a governor, 
Anthony Palmer, president of the council, practically filling 
that position. In 1748 James Hamilton received the 
appointment. 

SUMMARY 

When Hannah Penn died the heirs reappointed Gordon governor 
of the province. Thomas and John Penn visited Pennsylvania but 
did not assume power. Thomas was guilty of some sharp practices 
in his relations to the Indians, among which was the " Walking 
Purchase." The Iroquois sustained the title of the Penns to the 
Minisink lands. Because of the unsettled boundary dispute with 



go THE PENN HEIRS 

Lord Baltimore, conflicts occurred between the authorities of Penn- 
sylvania and Maryland. In 1738 George Thomas became governor. 
During his administration England was at war with Spain. Seven 
hundred colonists from Pennsylvania took part in the war. A limited 
amount of paper money was issued. War supplies were voted by 
the assembly. After Governor Thomas resigned, the president of 
council assumed the duties of the office. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

T. Why was John Penn called the "American "? 

2. What was unjust about the " Walking Purchase "? 

3. What rights had the Iroquois in the Pennsylvania lands? 

4. What was the cause of Cresap's war? How did it differ from 
a real war? 

5. How long was Thomas governor? 

6. Was the Spanish war important to the colonists? 

7. Why were the Quakers opposed to war? 

8. How did Governor Thomas and the assembly come to an 
understanding? 

9. Where was the Spanish Main? 

10. Locate the Indian purchase on a map of Pennsylvania. 

11. Who was Benjamin West? 

REFERENCES 

Buck: The Indian Walk. 

Sharpless: Two Centuries of Pennsylvania History. 
Fisher: Pennsylvania, Colony and Commonwealth. 
McCook: Quaker Ben. 



CHAPTER IX 
CAUSES OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR 

French wars. — Most of the colonies were disturbed by 
the various wars in Europe which really did not greatly 
concern them. The French especially were the traditional 
enemies of the EngHsh and had frequent wars with them. 
Finally, by the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, in 1748, peace 
was declared between the two countries. But this did not 
keep the two peoples in the colonies apart and even when 
there was no war between the mother countries there were 
various conflicts between the peoples in America. This 
would not have been so serious if it had not involved the 
neighboring tribes of Indians. 

The Iroquois. — The Iroquois had formed a powerful con- 
federacy of Indians in New York which extended its in- 
fluence into Pennsylvania and even into Ohio and Indiana. 
As they were situated between the colony of Pennsylvania 
and the French settlements in Canada, it was important 
to be on as friendly terms with them as possible. This was 
not easy, for the French were always present with their 
gifts and their better knowledge of Indian language and 
ways. Because of the harsh treatment by the Iroquois, 
the Pennsylvania Indians were restless and antagonistic 
towards the colonists. 

Hamilton and Peters. — When Penn obtained recogni- 
tion from the Iroquois of his title to the Minisink lands, 

91 



92 



CAUSES OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR 



situated north of the forks of the Delaware, he promised 
that he would remove the settlers from certain other 
Indian lands as a condition. Richard Peters had been ap- 
pointed secretary under Hamilton to take the place which 
had been long and usefully filled by James Logan. It 
became his duty to see that this agreement was put into 
force. Accompanied by Conrad Weiser, he set out to 
expel the settlers from the Juniata lands which were among 
those in question. After burning various farm buildings 
and driving away the people, they left, feeling that they 
had accomplished their mission. But they had no sooner 
gone than the settlers returned and again built their homes. 

Finally the matter was settled by 
the assembly's voting large sums 
to be given as presents to the 
Indians. Weiser acted as inter- 
preter during the negotiations. 

Conrad Weiser. — Conrad Weiser 
was a German living in the valley 
of the Tulpehocken, not far from 
Reading, who proved of great 
value to the English in keeping 
the Six Nations friendly. His 
father had lived in the Schoharie 
Valley in New York before he 
migrated down the Susquehanna 
and up the Swatara to what is now Berks County. 
Conrad, however, remained among the Iroquois for a 
number of years, and became acquainted with their customs 
and language. He was a man of sterling qualities and the 
Indians trusted him. He was a great friend of Shikellimy, 
the chief who was appointed by the Six Nations to look after 




Conrad Weiser. 



CAUSES OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR 



93 



their interests in Pennsylvania. Weiser acted as inter- 
preter in most of the treaties between the New York 
Indians and the Pennsylvania authorities and was equally 
trusted by each. It has been said that, if the Six Nations 
had joined in the conspiracy against the whites which was 
soon to take place, it is possible that the French would 
have gained control of the whole of North America. 




Conrad Weiser's house. 



Weiser has been given the credit of being very influential 
in keeping them friendly to the English. 

Franklin and Thomas Penn. — The assembly felt that 
the proprietors should bear their share of the expense caused 
by the Indian troubles, but Thomas Penn refused, saying 
that they had already given a great deal. Franklin, who 
was a member of that body, was instructed to write a 
reply to the proprietor. In it he reminded Penn that the 
colony might become a royal province if the proprietors 



94 CAUSES OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR 

did not do their part. The amount to be contributed 
by the Penns was a source of trouble between them and 
the assembly until the breaking out of the Revolution. 

The Quaker assembly. — The assembly, being controlled 
by the Quakers, did not wish to take any active part in 
preparing for the pubHc defense. It was urged that a fort 
be built at the junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela 
rivers, but they refused. In after years it was charged 
against the Quakers that if they had been willing to do this, 
the war which afterwards took place in western Pennsyl- 
vania would not have occurred. This, however, is mere 
speculation. 

The French forts. — In 1750 the French began to build a 
line of forts in the Ohio Valley with the purpose of holding 
this rich territory and keeping that river and the Mississippi 
open between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. 
The fort at Presque Isle was built on the site of the present 
city of Erie. Another, Fort Le Boeuf, was built at what is 
now Waterford in Erie County. Fort Venango was built 
within the limits of the present city of Franklin. Realizing 
that such a line of forts w^ould control the country west of 
the Allegheny Mountains, they kept reaching out for new 
sites. In various places also they buried leaden plates 
upon which was engraved a statement of their claim to the 
land which was drained by the river. 

George Washington. — Virginia also claimed what is now 
western Pennsylvania, and hearing of the activities of the 
French, determined to protest. Dinwiddle, who was the 
governor of Virginia at that time, knew of a youth who 
was fitted to undertake to bear a message warning the 
French to withdraw. His name was George Washington. 
He was but twenty-one years old, but he was tall and 



CAUSES OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR 



95 



strong, and being a surveyor, was used to the ways of the 
woods. In 1753 the young man started upon his journey. 
He first went to Cumberland, Maryland; then to Logstown, 
an Indian village on the Ohio; and then up the Allegheny 

River and French Creek 

to the headwaters. He 
finally reached Fort Le 
Boeuf where he was told 
that his message would 
be delivered to Du- 
quesne, the French gov- 
ernor-general. He also 
found out enough to be 
able to report upon his 
return that the French 
had no notion of turning 
back. On his return 
journey he saw the place 
where the two rivers join 
to make the Ohio and reported to Governor Dinwiddie 
that it was an admirable place for a fort. 

Albany treaty of 1754. — In 1754, a convention of the 
colonies was called at Albany to consider the question of 
common defense. Benjamin Franklin was one of the 
Pennsylvania delegates. At this convention, Thomas 
Penn obtained, by a treaty with the New York Indians, 
the title of lands south of a line running from Shamokin^ to 
Lake Erie (see page 134). Such an act was not at all like 
those of William Penn, who always made it a point to 
satisfy the local tribes. Further, it was humbling to the 
pride of the Pennsylvania Indians and made them dis- 

1 shd mo'kin 




Major George Washington. 



96 



CAUSES OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR 



satisfied with their lot. The Shawnees, who had been 
forced to migrate and settle in the Ohio Valley, were by this 
put in a frame of mind to listen to the words of the French 
and were readily induced to take sides with them against 
the English. 

The first expedition to the Ohio. — About a year after 
Washington had made his report, an expedition was sent 

from Virginia to 
\ \ build a fort at the 

'^' junction of the Alle- 

gheny and Monon- 
gahela rivers. 
Washington w^as to 
be the lieutenant 
colonel. Ensign 
Ward was sent in 
advance with a 
handful of men to 
build the fort, but 
the French sur- 
prised them, drove 
them away, and fin- 
ished the work, 
which was called 
Fort Duquesne, 
after the governor- 
general of Canada. 
Fort Necessity. 
— Realizing that there was need for haste, Washing- 
ton marched with three hundred men to Cumber- 
land, and from there pressed forward to the Ohio. Near 
a place called Great Meadows he met and defeated a small 




Washington was besieged in Fort Necessity. 



CAUSES OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR 97 

band of French and Indians under Jumonville. The French 
officer was killed. Washington then built near the place 
a stockade which he called Fort Necessity. Here he was 
besieged by a body of French and Indians, about fifteen 
hundred strong. After a brave resistance he surrendered 
and was permitted to withdraw with all the honors of war. 
This was on July 4, 1754. 

Morris becomes governor. — Governor Hamilton had by 
this time become tired of his continual controversies with 
the assembly. When he heard of the events at Fort 
Necessity, he tried to make the assembly see the need of 
assisting in the defense of their western frontier, but they 
would not raise money unless the Penn properties were also 
taxed for the purpose. As the Penns would not consent to 
this, Hamilton's hands were tied. He sent a letter of ap- 
proval to the governor of Virginia, but at the same time 
informed him that Pennsylvania did not give up her title 
to the land. Finally he resigned and Robert Hunter 
Morris was appointed in his stead. The new governor 
reached Pennsylvania in October, 1754. 

SUMMARY 

The Iroquois were a powerful tribe of Indians living in New 
York. They sided with the English against the French. Other 
Indians sided with the French and assisted them in trying to get 
possession of the Ohio Valley. One of the chief men in keeping the 
Iroquois friendly was Conrad Weiser. The French built a number of 
forts in the western part of the colony. George Washington was 
sent to build one at the junction of the Monongahela and Allegheny 
rivers, but his men were driven away. He was afterwards attacked 
in Fort Necessity and forced to surrender. Governor Hamilton 
•was unable to get help from the assembly to defend the colony 
and resigned. Robert Hunter Morris was appointed in his place. 



98 CAUSES OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR 

QUESTIONS 

1. What Indian wars were there in the colonies? 

2. How many nations were in the Indian confederacy? 

3. How and why did Peters try to get rid of the settlers in the 
Juniata Valley? 

4. W^hat great Indian chief is mentioned in the chapter? 

5. W^hat threat did Franklin make against the Penns? 

6. Name as many of the French forts in Pennsylvania as you can. 

7. W'hat was Washington's first pubhc service? 

8. Where are the Great Meadows? 

9. How long was Hamilton governor? 

10. What claim did Virginia have to the Ohio Valley? 

REFERENCES 

Bancroft: United States. 

Parkman: Montcalm and Wolfe, I. 36-62, 128-162. 

Walton: Conrad Weiser. 

Stedman and Hutchinson: Library of American Literature. 




Cans for heating oil. 



CHAPTER X 

THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR IN 
PENNSYLVANIA 

Braddock's expedition. — The authorities in England 
were informed of the movements of the French in America. 
They were indignant that their old-time foe should commit 
these hostilities during times of peace and determined to 
proceed actively against them. General Edward Braddock 
was sent with two regiments of British regulars to America 
to make an expedition against Fort Duquesne. Washington 
was directed by Virginia to take command of the colonial 
troops and to give the British general the benefit of his 
experience and knowledge of the country. The various 
troops were directed to assemble at Cumberland, from 
which place the expedition was to start. 

The assembly. — The legislature of Virginia voted £20,000 
to assist in carrying on the war. The Pennsylvania as- 
sembly voted an equal sum but Governor Morris vetoed 
the measure, because it required the proprietors to pay 
their share of the tax. A controversy arose which lasted 
for some time. Finding that they were losing favor in 
England and fearing that the colony might be made a 
royal province if they did not do something toward bearing 
the burden of the war, the Penns contributed £5,000 on 
condition that they should not be taxed. 

99 



lOO FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR IN PENNSYLVANIA 

Franklin's assistance. — Franklin, who was a member of 
the Pennsylvania assembly, went to Fredericktown to 
interview Braddock. He found that gentleman very much 
vexed because he had been unable to get the assistance 
from Virginia that he had expected. He needed many 
horses and at least a hundred and fifty wagons to transport 
his supplies. As the Virginians did not use wagons, only 
a few had been furnished. He was at a loss to know what 
to do. Franklin suggested that he could get all he needed 
in Pennsylvania where every farmer had his wagon. So 
arrangements were made to get him the necessary number. 
Franklin pledged his own private fortune to carry out the 
plan and if he had not been finally reimbursed by the gov- 
ernment he would have been ruined. Braddock gave 
Franklin a letter in which he expressed his appreciation for 
these great services. At their own expense, the assembly 
furnished food supplies for the officers of the army. Con- 
sidering that the assembly had always been accused of 
opposing war, this was doing very well indeed. 

Colonial advice. — Franklin modestly offered advice to 
the general about the way to carry on his campaign, but 
Braddock thought that he knew all about fighting. Wash- 
ington, too, tried to tell the haughty officer of the way the 
Indians were accustomed to fight, but the British general 
thought that the king's regulars would be more than a 
match for the French and Indians. In fact they did prove 
able fighters after they had learned the Indian ways, and 
they were the backbone of many a successful expedition in 
later years as we shall see; but the Braddock expedition 
was their first experience. 

The march. — On June lo, 1755, the march began. A 
road was cut through the forest and time was even taken 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR IN PENNSYLVANIA loi 




(uesne 



to build some bridges. The way was for part of the 
distance the route later taken by the National Pike, 
and, for years afterwards, the road made by the army was 
used by settlers going from the east to the west. Indians 
followed the sol- 
diers continually, 
picking off any 
stragglers whom 
they chanced to 
meet. No effort 
was made at con- 
cealm.ent. If the 
Indians had wished to do so, they 
could have ambushed the exped 
lion at many places, but they 
seemed to be awed. 

The battle. — Finally on the 
morning of July 9, the forces 
reached an open place. They 
had just forded a stream and 
were marching in regular formation 
they encountered a body of three 
soldiers. 




The dotted line shows Brad- 
dock's march to Fort 
Duquesne. 



when suddenly 
hundred French 
These fired a few volleys and retreated. The 
Enghsh greatly outnumbered them and the enemy re- 
garded the fight as hopeless. Shortly afterwards, Indians 
to the number of six hundred began to fire upon the regu- 
lars from behind trees, logs, and rocks. Some were con- 
cealed by the foUage which grew upon a neighboring hill. 
The British were not used to this kind of fighting, but they 
did their best, firing their cannons and small guns into the 
bushes, with httle effect. The Indians, on the other hand, 
made every shot tell. Although Braddock bravely sought 




From an old print. 



Braddock's defeat. 

I02 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR IN PENNSYLVANIA 



lO 



to direct his men, he was finally shot through the arm and 
breast. Many other officers were killed. Seeing them- 
selves without leaders, the men huddled together and then 
began to retreat. Of the eighty-six officers, sixty-three 
were killed, and of thirteen hundred men, but four hundred 
and fifty-nine escaped. Only three or four Frenchmen and 
fifty Indians were killed. 

The colonials. — The colonial troops under Washington 
were accustomed to this style of fighting and immediately 
hid behind trees and logs as the Indians were doing. The 
EngHsh took some of them for Indians and fired upon them. 
Notwithstanding this, the Virginians kept their heads, and 
covered the retreat of the regulars. The conduct of Wash- 
ington and his men was very creditable, and it was evident 
that the colonists suffered nothing in comparison with the 
regulars. This fight was frequently referred to in later 
years when they were pitted against each other. 

Colonel Dunbar. — A great deal of censure has been 
directed against the unfortunate Braddock, which rightly 
belongs to Colonel Dunbar, who assumed command when 
the general fell and who had been in command of the 
rear. When the ffight began, he assisted by going as fast 
as he could to Cumberland. If he had remained with 
his men in the region of the trouble, he might have warded 
off some of the attacks of the Indians who soon fell upon 
the defenseless settlers. However, he immediately started 
for the east and apparently did not feel safe until he had 
arrived at Philadelphia. On the way his men acted 
outrageously against the settlers, plundering them as they 
went. Representatives from Virginia and Pennsylvania 
met him and begged him to return and protect the frontier, 
but this seemed furthest from his purpose. 



I04 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR IN PENNSYLVANIA 

Indian atrocities. — A favorite way for the Indians to do 
was to crawl up to an unsuspecting settler in his field or 
at a short distance from home, and tomahawk and scalp 
him. The people of Pennsylvania had had httle experience 
of the kind and did not know how to meet such attacks. 
By and by they learned to take their rifles with them when 
they were at their work; even then they were usually 
killed when the savages came upon them. The Indians 
seemed to like especially to disfigure or torture the women 
and children. The evil things which they did cannot be 
thought of without a shudder. 

Frontiers devastated. — The whole of the Pennsylvania 
frontier now became the scene of horrible butcheries. 
Wherever there was a lonely house its occupants were 
murdered. Settlers were killed even in the vicinity of 
Harrisburg and in Northampton County there was a place 
near Bethlehem where the Indians collected their captives 
and booty. Persons were slain and scalped within fifty 
miles of Philadelphia. Their mangled bodies were brought 
into the city by relatives and placed on exhibition in the 
streets to arouse the Quakers to the necessity of doing 
something for the pubhc defense. 

Frontier forts. — Finding that the governor vetoed every 
bill they passed, the assembly raised £15,000 on their own 
credit. They appointed Franklin to take charge of the 
defense of the colony. It was thought best to build block- 
houses or forts at all of the gaps or breaks in the Blue 
Mountains, and so prevent the Indians from coming through 
from the northwest. There were seventeen of these forts 
placed at intervals from Easton to the Maryland line. 
Fort Augusta was one of them although it was at Sunbury, 
some miles out of the fine of the others. These afforded 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR IN PENNSYLVANIA 105 

places of shelter for the fleeing settlers, but did not prove 
effective in keeping back the bands of marauding savages, 
who many times passed by the forts and slaughtered the 
inhabitants far within the line. 

Gnadenhutten. — Although not a soldier, Franklin proved 
a good organizer and soon made arrangements that bore 
some promise of success. He went in person to Bethlehem 
and built a fort at Gnadenhutten in the Lehigh Gap. As 
long as he was there, nothing disastrous occurred, but 
after he had returned to Philadelphia the soldiers be- 
came lax in discipHne. One day when they were hav- 
ing a good time skating on the river, the savages fell 
upon them, killed and scalped them all, and destroyed the 
blockhouse. 

Easton treaty of 1756. — The Quakers did their best to 
prevent a declaration of hostilities against the Shawnee 
and Delaware Indians. Finally, however, war was declared. 
Nevertheless, they went on with their efforts and with 
the assistance of Conrad Weiser succeeded in getting the 
chiefs together at Easton and in effecting a treaty with 
them in July, 1756. Before this these tribes had acted as 
guides to the French and the western Indians, and had 
been instrumental in striking telling blows against the 
Enghsh. This peaceful measure probably saved the col- 
onists much trouble. 

Armstrong's expedition. — While the Quakers were mak- 
ing efforts to obtain a treaty of peace with the Delawares 
and Shawnees, the assembly was preparing to start an 
expedition against the Indians of the west. The two largest 
towns of the Indians in the Ohio Valley were at Logstown 
and Kittanning. These were used as places in which to 
keep prisoners and also for the storage of powder and other 



lo6 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR IN PENNSYLVANIA 

supplies. Colonel John Armstrong, of Carlisle, was ap- 
pointed to lead an expedition against Kittanning. There 
was an Indian trail leading from that place along the ridge 
which runs to the headwaters of the Conemaugh and from 
there to the Juniata, passing over the mountains at a place 
now called Kittanning Point near the famous Horseshoe 
Bend on the main Hne of the Pennsylvania Railroad. 
Armstrong collected a band of three hundred men at Fort 
Shirley on the Juniata and took this route over the old 
trail toward Kittanning. 

The attack on Kittanning. — On September 7, 1756, he 
found himself within a short distance of the town. He had 
avoided a small band of the savages on the trail and those 
in the village were not expecting him, but were in the midst 
of a jollification preliminary to setting out on an expedition 
against the whites on the morrow. The colonists slept in 
the cornfields surrounding the village that night. Early 
the next morning they began the attack. The Indians took 
refuge in their huts and defended themselves as best they 
could. Finally a storehouse was fired in which were some 
barrels of powder. One after another they exploded. The 
Indians fled for their lives in all directions, and Armstrong 
and his men beat a hasty retreat. This expedition had a 
wholesome effect upon the savages and no important ex- 
peditions were sent out by them for some months. 

SUMMARY 

The English government sent General Braddock to defend the 
colonies against the advance of the French. After much trouble 
he collected an army at Cumberland with Washington in command 
of the colonial troops. Franklin, representing the Pennsylvania 
assembly, gave him important assistance. In June, 1755, the army 
started on a march against Fort Duquesne. They were met a short 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR IN PENNSYLVANIA 107 

distance from where Pittsburgh now stands and defeated. Many 
of the officers and men were killed. The army retreated toward 
the east. The frontiers, then at the mercy of the savages, were 
devastated. Seventeen forts were built to defend the east but with 
little success. Colonel John Armstrong was sent against the Indian 
town of Kittanning and destroyed it. The settlers then had relief 
for a short time. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. Why was Washington put in command of the colonial troops? 

2. Why did Governor Morris veto the bills to raise money for 
defense? 

3. Of what value was the road cut by Braddock's men? 

4. What advice did Washington give Braddock? 

5. What part did the colonial troops play in the battle? 

6. What was the Indian method of attack? 

7. What disaster happened at Gnadenhutten? 

8. Trace on a map the Kittanning Trail. 

9. Describe the attack on Kittanning. 
10. What did the Quakers do for peace? 

REFERENCES 

Bancroft: United States. 

Parkman: Montcalm and Wolfe, I. 196-226; 422-427. 

Sloane: French War and the Revolution. 

Franklin : A utohiography. 

Thackeray: The Virginians. 



CHAPTER XI 
SECOND EXPEDITION AGAINST FORT DUQUESNE 

A new governor. — Governor Morris resigned and William 
Denny was appointed in his place, in 1756. The Armstrong 
expedition had been planned during the administration of 
the former, but it was carried out by the latter. Denny 
immediately showed the assembly his instructions, specify- 
ing that the estates of the proprietors were not to be taxed. 
This aroused the assembly, for while they were wilHng 
enough to levy taxes to carry on the war, they thought that 
the properties of the Penn heirs should be taxed with the 
rest. This the governor would not admit. 

William Pitt. — In June, 1757, William Pitt was made 
prime minister of England. He immediately started a new 
policy of dealing with the colonies. The assemblies were 
not to be commanded to raise a certain number of men, but 
each was to furnish as many men as it felt able. Popular 
men were to be commissioned as officers and given the same 
rank as in the regular British army. England would bear 
the expenses and the colonists were to furnish only the men. 
There was soon a great change in the attitude of the as- 
sembly in Pennsylvania. They assisted in every way they 
could, offering a bounty to every man who joined the army 
and voting £100,000 for expenses. Pitt also changed the 
general policy of the war. He was no longer content with 
driving the French and Indians from the settlements, but 

loS 



SECOND EXPEDITION AGAINST FORT DUQUESNE 109 

determined to drive the former from America. There 
were several objective points in the war as it was now 
to be carried out, the most important of which to Penn- 
sylvanians was Fort Duquesne. An expedition was ac- 
cordingly started against this place in 1758. 

General Forbes. — General Forbes, a Scotchman, was put 
in command of this expedition. The army consisted of 
twenty-seven hundred men from Pennsylvania, sixteen 
hundred from Virginia, four hundred from the other colonies 
and twenty-three hundred British regulars. The Pennsyl- 
vania troops joined the British at Raystown, now Bedford, 
under Colonel Bouquet, a dashing officer of French-Swiss 
descent. The other colonists assembled under Washington 
at Winchester, Virginia. Forbes was delayed all summer 
in Philadelphia by illness, but he improved his time, how- 
ever, by assisting at another treaty of peace with the 
neighboring Indians. This was held at Easton and a 
very large number of tribes were represented. Now 
that the Delawares and the Shawnees were their friends, 
the English could more safely count on success in their 
undertaking. 

The march. — Meanwhile the army marched slowly west- 
ward. Colonel Bouquet was in charge until Forbes could 
join the forces. A road was cut which in later years had 
much to do with opening up the west; at that time there 
were no roads in the region suitable to the marching of an 
army. 

Major Grant. — When Bouquet had advanced as far as 
the Loyalhanna, he sent out Major Grant, a Highlander, 
with eight hundred men to reconnoiter. Grant was ordered 
not to approach too near Fort Duquesne. On the four- 
teenth of September he was within fourteen miles of it, 



no SECOND EXPEDITION AGAINST FORT DUQUESNE 

and, having seen nothing of the foe, he pressed farther. By 
evening he was within two miles of the fort, on a hill, locally 
known as the Hump, which was situated within what is 
now the city of Pittsburgh. The hill has recently been 
largely removed. Grant left his baggage there and moved 
toward the fort. He apparently took the enemy by sur- 
prise, but they soon reversed the order of things and sur- 
rounded him and his men. There w^as a repetition of the 
events that occurred in connection with the Braddock ex- 
pedition: the English kept the regular formation of Europe 
and were shot down, while the Americans fought from be- 
hind logs and trees. The British broke and fled. About 
three hundred were killed and w^ounded; Grant was cap- 
tured; and a few stragglers got back to where Bouquet w^as 
encamped on the Loyalhanna. 

Attack upon Bouquet's camp. — As the weeks passed by 
and Bouquet was still waiting for Forbes to join him, the 
French decided to attack him in camp. On the twelfth of 
October, twelve hundred French and two hundred Indians 
made a sudden assault upon him. This was unsuccessful. 
At night another attack was attempted but Bouquet 
was ready for it. Sixty-seven of his men were killed 
or wounded. The fact that they were behind breast- 
works, indicates that the attack must have been con- 
ducted with spirit. 

Fall of Fort Duquesne. — Late in October Forbes joined 
Bouquet. He then began to move toward Duquesne with 
forty-three hundred picked men. They went forward 
cautiously with scouts sent in every direction to prevent an 
ambush. When within twelve miles of their destination 
they were informed that the fort was on fire. The cavalry 
was sent ahead to put out the flames. On November 25, 



SECOND EXPEDITION AGAINST FORT DUQUESNE iii 

1758, they entered the village and looked upon the charred 
remains of the fort. Everything of value had been de- 
stroyed or thrown into the river. The soldiers buried the 




An early view of Fort Duquesne. 



remains of Grant's men and the bones which were strewn 
about the scene of Braddock's disaster. The village was 
renamed Pittsburgh and the fort which was built the next 
year by General Stanwix was called Fort Pitt, after the 
English prime minister. 

Death of Forbes. — General Forbes was the hero of the 
day. Thousands felt that the frontier was now secure and 
returned to their homes. Forbes never regained his health. 
He lived until the following spring when he died and was 
buried in Philadelphia. The Ohio Valley was forever given 
up by the French and remained in possession of the EngUsh 
until they in turn gave place to the Americans. Washing- 
ton, too, gained credit by the expedition, although he had 
little chance to display his powers. 



112 SECOND EXPEDITION AGAINST FORT DUQUESNE 

Franklin in England. — The assembly, now under no 
pressure of patriotic duty to carry on the war, determined 
to press their claims against the proprietors. They sent 
Frankhn to London to see what could be done in their in- 






:S| rlC'f i; |.n,!||iikk,,. 




Franklin made many friends abroad. 



terests. Franklin was by this time well known to scientists 
all over the world. Although he did not at lirst get an 
audience with the Privy Council, he did make many friends 
and had the opportunity of meeting some of the greatest 
men of Europe. He used every opportunity to explain the 
side of the colonists in the controversy. Most of the people 
to whom he talked readily believed that he was right. The 
great landholders of England contributed generously by 
taxes to the support of the war and they could not under- 



SECOND EXPEDITION AGAINST FORT DUQUESNE 113 

stand why they should be compelled to pay for the defense 
of the Penn lands when the owners did not. 

Argument by Franklin's son. — An article was published 
in the General Advertiser reflecting on the Pennsylvania 
assembly. It was probably written or inspired by Provost 
Smith, of the University of Pennsylvania, a prominent 
sympathizer of the proprietors. In reply, Franklin's son 
wrote a book, A Historical Review of Pennsylvania, in 
which he gave a full account of the differences between the 
assembly and the proprietary governors. It is possibly 
biased but it is interesting, as only the other side is usually 
given. It represents the governors as thwarting every 
effort of t/he assembly to assist in carrying on the war, quot- 
ing extensively from the laws passed. The publication of 
this book gave the cause of the colonists a following in 
London. 

Governor Denny signs. — Finally Governor Denny, be- 
lieving that Franklin would succeed in England and being 
in need of salary, signed a bill which taxed the proprietary 
estates equally with others. He was promptly removed 
by the Penn heirs and in October, 1759, James Hamilton 
was appointed in his place. The act was brought before the 
Privy Council and the Penns attempted to have it annulled. 
This gave Franklin an opportunity to have his attorney 
appear before the Council and give his side of the case. The 
outcome was that the colonists won and the proprietors 
were taxed. Franklin gained quite a reputation in the 
colonies, and Massachusetts, Maryland, and Georgia made 
him their agent. 

Franklin's success changed the attitude of the proprietors. 
When the assembly in 1760 passed a bill to raise £ioo,coo 
to complete the conquest of Canada, Governor Hamilton 



114 SECOND EXPEDITION AGAINST FORT DUQUESNE 

signed, only attempting to direct the expenditure of the 
money. In this he was not successful and he bore his dis- 
appointment as best he could. 

Franklin and Priestley. — FrankUn was honored by the 
universities of Great Britain and made a member of 
numerous scientific and learned societies. Among the 
friends he made in England was Joseph Priestley, the dis- 
coverer of oxygen and the founder of the modern science 
of chemistry. Priestley was persecuted for his religious 
views, and like many others found an asylum in 
Pennsylvania. He now lies buried in Northumber- 
land at the junction of the North and West branches 
of the Susquehanna. 

SUMMARY 

William Pitt became prime minister of England and assumed a 
better attitude toward the colonies. General Forbes was sent 
against Fort Duquesne and captured it. A detachment of his army 
under Major Grant was defeated and the main body under CoJonel 
Bouquet was attacked, but repulsed the enemy. The name of the 
fort was changed to Pitt. The governor refusing to allow the propri- 
etary estates to be taxed, Franklin was sent to London and succeeded 
in making the Penns share the taxes. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. How did Pittsburgh get its name? 

2. Who built Fort Duquesne? Who built Fort Pitt? 

3. Of what advantage was General Forbes's expedition to Fort 
Duquesne? 

4. What part did Washington play in this expedition? 

5. Why was Franklin sent to England at this time? 

6. What were the arguments of the colonists for taxing the 
proprietary estates? 

7. Why did Governor Denny sign the tax bill? 



SECOND EXPEDITION AGAINST FORT DUQUESNE 115 

8. Who was one of the chief champions of the proprietors? 

9. Find and locate any places named from men mentioned in 
this chapter. 

10. What soldiers served with great credit in the expedition 
mentioned? 

REFERENCES 

Jenkins: Pennsylvania, Colonial and Federal. 
Fisher: Pennsylvania, Colony and Commonwealth. 
Day: Historical Collections of the State of Pennsylvania. 
Boucher: History of Westmoreland County. 




Old kettle and fire bellows. 



CHAPTER XII 
PONTIAC'S WAR 

Montreal. — Montreal fell into the hands of the English 
on Septembers, 1760; with it all Canada passed from the 
control of the French. It now seemed to the long-suffering 
colonists that they could indeed expect peace. When in 
February, 1763, the Treaty of Paris was signed this seemed 
to be a certainty, but they had not yet paid the penalty for 
their conduct toward the Indians. 

Pontiac. — Pontiac, a famous chief of the Ottawas, was 
early in the service of the French. It is said that he had 
led the Indians of his tribe against Braddock. In 1763 he 
formed a conspiracy of practically all the Indians from 
Lake Superior to the Gulf of Mexico to make an attack upon 
the English along the whole coast. The attack was, to be 
made on a certain day early in May. When it came, it 
was carried on with such ferocity that it was long remem- 
bered. It was his purpose to drive the English from the 
colonies and to keep friendly to the French. Every Eng- 
lish fort was besieged and most of them were captured and 
their occupants massacred. 

Attacks on the forts. — The Pennsylvania forts which were 
the objects of their attacks were Presque Isle, Venango, 
Bedford, Ligonier, and Pitt. Presque Isle and Venango 
were easily taken and the others were surrounded by a 
howling mob of savages. All the settlers near the forts 

116 



PONTIAC'S WAR 



117 



either fled to them for protection or were murdered and 
scalped. The country was in a panic and thousands of 
people fled over the mountains to Shippensburg and 
Carlisle, where they occupied every available shelter. 




Mji^tMM:^ 







.... '^ . 

"Thousands of people fled over the mountains." 

Open sheds were put up for them in the streets, and even 
stables and pigsties were used. In Shippensburg alone 
there were thirteen hundred of the refugees. 

Captain Simeon Ecuyer was in command of Fort Pitt. 
The Indians surrounded it and kept themselves protected 
by digging into the ground. A continual shower of arrows, 
which carried fire, was kept up. 




Ii8 PONTIAC'S WAR 

Colonel Henry Bouquet. — General Amherst, in command 
of the English forces in America, organized various expedi- 
tions against the savages. The one to the relief of Ligonier 
and Pitt was in the command of Colonel Henry Bouquet, 
who was given two regiments which had lately come from 
the West Indies. They numbered only five hundred and 
were weakened by disease. He proceeded to Carlisle ex- 
pecting to obtain provisions and recruits there, but the 
people were not in a position to furnish either easily. The 
fugitives did not w^ish to desert their families and all the 
supplies had been used up. However, some two hundred 
provincials from Lancaster County and the Cumberland 
Valley joined him. Most people thought that Bouquet was 
taking his weakened army into the jaws of death. But he 
was a man of quick action. He sent thirty men ahead to 
the rehef of Ligonier and two companies to Fort Bedford. 
He himself proceeded as soon as possible to the latter place 
and arrived there with all his forces on the twenty-fifth 
of July. On the tw^enty-eighth he was at Ligonier. 

Bushy Run. — At this time Bouquet could get no news 
from Fort Pitt. The Indians ranged the woods between 
the two places and no messenger could get through. He 
thought best, however, to go forward as rapidly as possible. 
On the fifth of August, he determined to stop at Bushy 
Run, about twenty miles from the fort, until evening, 
thinking to march by night through the defile in 
which the creek flows. In the afternoon as his advance 
guard was approaching the run, they were unexpectedly 
attacked by the Indians. They immediately surrounded 
the baggage and defended themselves as best they could. 
Two or three times they charged upon the Indians with 
bayonets. Each time the enemy would withdraw only to 



PONTIAC'S WAR iig 

reappear as soon as the advance movement of the soldiers 
ceased. When night came on with the issue undecided, 
the soldiers slept in a circle about the baggage. 

August 6. — ^At dawn the next day there was a terrifying 
war whoop and the savages were upon them again. Tired 
with the work of the previous day and worn out by the 
August heat, the soldiers were discouraged. Time and 
again the enemy were driven back but each time they 
seemed to rise again from the ground. Some of the Indians, 
too, had taken positions in the trees whence they continued 
to pour an effective fire into the midst of the little band. 
Finally Bouquet determined upon a piece of strategy. 

The Indians outgeneraled. — The Indians again attacked 
and the soldiers drove them away, as usual keeping their 
formation in a circle. When the Indians returned the 
attack, the front line fell back. This apparent retreat 
encouraged the enemy to pursue and the companies on 
both sides now fell upon the savages. The victory was 
complete. The Indians retired in disorder, and as they 
passed Fort Pitt, they shook, before the eyes of the little 
band of defenders, the bloody scalps which they had taken. 

Results. — Bouquet lost eight officers and one hundred 
and fifteen men; the savages, sixty of their best braves. 
The engagement was a small one, but it had great influence 
upon the situation. In four days Bouquet reached the 
fort. He then set to work to strengthen it, building of 
stone and brick the blockhouse which is still standing and 
is the only building of the period left in Pittsburgh. Upon 
it is the inscription, "Col. Bouquet, A. D. 1764." 

Muncy. — After Bouquet had started for the west, the 
refugees about Carhsle, Shippensburg, and the Susquehanna 
Valley, beginning to take heart, determined to get revenge 



I20 



PONTIAC'S WAR 



for the havoc of the Indians. An expedition of one hun- 
dred and ten settlers undertook to punish the Indians in the 
Muncy Valley. They succeeded in finding a party of fifty 
of them who were on their way to the borders. At Muncy 
---- ^. Hill they attacked and routed them. 

'4 / The next day they came upon them 

-^^ •' again and renewed the fight. Twelve 

of the Indians wxre killed 

and many wounded. The 

-^'^^^^'^^ settlers' loss was four 

killed and four 
wounded. 

Big Island. — 
About the same 
time a party of 
three hundred left 
Fort Shirley under 
Colonel John Arm- 



strong to overcome 
the Indians on the 
West Branch of the 
Susquehanna at 
Big Island. When 
they arrived there, they found that the Indians had left 
the place. Hearing that there was a village of the red 
men not far off, Armstrong with half his force made a 
rapid march to attack it as he had done at Kittanning. 
Before he reached the place, however, the Indians left hur- 
riedly. The food which they had been cooking was found 
by the settlers still hot, upon the bark plates. 

Rev. John Elder. — In many places the Scotch-Irish Pres- 
byterians were especially active in their hostiHty to the 




Old fort at Pittsburgh. 



PONTIAC'S WAR 121 

Indians. The Rev. John Elder, of Paxton, one of their 
preachers, organized the men of his congregation in com- 
panies to protect the frontier. 

Hatred for the Indians. — Throughout the whole province 
there was a great panic, which gave rise to the feehng that 
all Indians were bad. Many harmless ones were shot 
without provocation. Sometimes those who were in the 
employ of the Enghsh as scouts were shot down, even while 
displaying the sign of friendliness, a sprig of green in their 
gun barrels. This hatred for the Indians led to an act which 
was not altogether to the credit of the colonists. 

The Conestogas. — There were in Lancaster County the 
last of a tribe of Indians called the Conestogas. These 
were the ones with whom Penn made his famous treaty in 
1683. They no longer went upon the warpath, but had 
taken up the arts of peace and were engaged in such pur- 
suits as the making of brooms. It was claimed that some 
of them had given help to the other tribes who had gone 
to war with the whites. The rest of them, however, were 
peaceable and harmless. 

The Paxton boys. — On December 14, 1763, about fifty- 
seven of the settlers of Paxton and Donegal townships, near 
Harris Ferry, marched to the town of the Conestogas, killed 
those of the inhabitants whom they could find, and burned 
their dwelHngs. Six in all were killed, three old men, two 
women, and a boy. The rest of the vihagers were out seU- 
ing their wares in the neighborhood. Hearing of this 
event, the sheriff of the county went to the Indian village 
and took the remaining inhabitants, fourteen in all, to the 
Lancaster workhouse for protection. The Paxton, or Pax- 
tang, boys then gathered to finish the work. Their pastor, 
John Elder, tried his best to prevent them, but they brushed 



122 



PONTIAC'S WAR 



him aside and went on to Lancaster. There they beat 
down the door of the workhouse and cruelly slaughtered 
the defenseless Indians. 

Moravian Indians. — The Moravians at Bethlehem had 
a number of Indians collected there whom they had con- 




The raid of the Paxton boys. 



verted to Christianity. These also were under suspicion. 
Fearing for their Hves the Moravians sent them to Phila- 
delphia. The people of that city did not know what to do 
with them and sent them to the governor of New York for 
his protection; but not wishing to be embarrassed by them 



PONTIAC'S WAR 123 

he returned them to Philadelphia. The Paxton boys heard 
of this and soon began collecting for the purpose of attack- 
ing both the Indians and the Quakers who protected them. 
The Paxton boys at Philadelphia. — A number of Paxton 
boys variously estimated at from five hundred to fifteen 
hundred, started for Philadelphia, on horseback and on 
foot. The people in the city, at the news of their approach, 
became very much excited. They formed themselves into 
companies and threw up embankments around the camp of 
the Indians. All bridges over the Schuylkill leading to the 
city were removed and various plans for protection were 
adopted. The Paxton invaders, learning that they could 
not cross the river at Philadelphia, found that the ferry at 
Swedes Ford about fifteen miles above the city w^as still 
there. So they marched to that place and crossed. They 
were now on the same side of the river as the city and pro- 
ceeded toward it. On the fourth of February they arrived 
at Germantown. The citizens became so very much ex- 
cited, that they almost shot into the ranks of some Germans 
who had come to town to protect them. 




Paxton church, the new and the old. 



124 



PONTIAC'S WAR 



Their demands. — A committee, of which Frankhn was a 
member, was sent to Germantown to find out what terms 
the disturbers demanded. The grievances were wilhngly 
stated, and considered by Governor John Penn, a son of 
Richard Penn and the successor of Hamilton, but only 
one of the requests was granted. Strangely, this was 
that a bounty be paid for Indian scalps, the last item of 

the law being that "fifty 
pieces of eight be paid 
for the scalp of a female 
Indian." This was an 
odd thing to be granted 
by a grandson of William 
Penn. 

Bouquet in Ohio. — 
General Amherst decided 
to send Bouquet into the 
country beyond the Ohio. 
This was something that 
the Indians thought the 
white men would not dare 
to do. Bouquet, how- 
ever, collected his army 
in Pennsylvania, crossed the province, and invaded the 
enemy's country. He met the Indians, defeated them, and 
released oyer two hundred white persons who had been held 
as prisoners .by the savages, some for many years. Several 
of these were related to the men who accompanied him, — 
sisters, mothers, or fathers, who had been given up as lost. 
Many affecting reunions took place. Some of the women, 
however, had become wives of the Indians and preferred to 
stay in their forest homes. 




Colonel Henry Bouquet. 



PONTTAC'S WAR 1 25 

Bouquet honored. — On his return Bouquet was honored 
and feted everywhere. When he was promoted to the 
rank of general, all the people of the colony were delighted. 
He had been more successful than any other soldier of the 
province and had done the people the greatest service. 

SUMMARY 

Pontiac, the great chief of the Ottawas, formed a conspiracy of 
all the Indian tribes of the east to drive the EngHsh out of America. 
All along the frontiers settlers and forts were attacked. Forts 
Ligonier, Bedford, and Pitt held out, but others fell into the hands 
of the savages. Colonel Henry Bouquet was sent with a small army 
to the aid of the forts. He was met by the enemy at Bushy Run. 
After repeated attacks the savages were completely routed. Expedi- 
tions were also made against the Indians of the IMuncy Valley and 
Big Island. These were successful. The feeling against the Indians 
was so intense because of their barbarity that the Scotch-Irish 
settlers around what is now Harrisburg attacked a band of Conestoga 
Indians in Lancaster County and killed them all. These Paxton 
boys also went to Philadelphia with the intention of attacking 
some Christian Indians who had been sent there for protection. 
They were finally persuaded to depart. Bouquet was sent into the 
Indian country in Ohio, defeated the savages, and released many 
white captives. Because of his success he was made a general. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. What led to the Treaty of Paris? 

2. Find the names of the principal Pennsylvania tribes of In- 
dians and locate them. 

3. What was the Indian method of fighting? 

4. Why did not the fugitives join the army of Colonel Bouquet 
at Carlisle? 

5. Locate Bushy Run. Locate Ligonier. 

6. Give a history of the construction of the forts at the junc- 
tion of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers. 

7. How did the colonists show their hatred for the Indians? 



126 



PONTIAC'S WAR 



8. What good can be said of the Conestogas? 

9. How did the people of Philadelphia try to keep the Paxton 
boys out of the city? 

10. What can you say of the success of Colonel Bouquet as a 
fighter? 

REFERENCES 

Bancroft: United States. 
Fiske: The American Revolution. 

Parkman: The Conspiracy of Pontiac. I, 172-190; II, 1-27, 
219-235. 




Old Moravian Church in Philadelphia. 



CHAPTER XIII 
CONTROVERSIES WITH THE PENN HEIRS 

Review.— We have seen that the assembly, composed 
largely of Quakers, were at first unwilKng to support war. 
Later, however, they frequently passed laws appropriating 
large sums which were to be raised by taxing the property 
of the colonists and the proprietors ahke. Bills of this kind 
were always vetoed by whatever governor happened to be 
in power. Morris, Denny, and Hamilton all exercised this 
power again and again. Finally Franklin went to England 
and succeeded in bringing the matter to the attention of the 
Privy Council. It was then determined that the estates of 
the proprietors should bo taxed. 

John Penn. — In 1763 John Penn was made Heutenant 
governor. He was received by the people with every mark 
of respect. It was thought that he would not be bound by 
the kind of instructions which had hampered the other 
governors, but that he would deal with the people with 
some degree of fairness. They were soon to learn, however, 
that this was a mistake. Although it was recognized that 
the Penn estates should be taxed, the new governor took 
the position that all of the proprietors' lands were to pay at 
the rate of the poorest land of the colonists. This was a 
petty position to take and on account of it the governor lost 
respect. 



128 CONTROVERSIES WITH THE PENN HEIRS 

Address to the people. — The patience of the assembly 
was at an end and they finally took into consideration the 
advisability of requesting the king of England to sever their 
connections with the Penns and make the colony a royal 
province. Wishing to learn the sentiments of the people 
upon the subject, Franklin drew up an address in which he 
enumerated the faults of the proprietors. There were 
some twenty-five objections filed, the principal of which were 
the following: that the proprietors had tried to force legis- 
lation by means of secret instructions; that they had multi- 
phed the dram shops to obtain increased revenue; that 
they had attempted to curtail the privileges of the people; 
that they had reserved some of the best tracts of land thus 
leaving the frontier sparsely settled and unprotected; that 
they were unwilling to pay their share of tax; and that the 
interests of the proprietary estates were so large that it 
was not safe to give them so much power in the appointment 
of governors, judges, and other officers. The people were 
asked to elect delegates who were in favor of asking the 
king to make Pennsylvania a royal province. 

Franklin defeated. — This address was adopted unan- 
imously and the matter was left to a vote of the people. 
A very lively contest followed. The Quakers, and the 
Germans who by religion and temperament sympathized 
with the political beliefs of the Quakers, favored the sep- 
aration; the EpiscopaHans were against it. There were 
exceptions to this, however, Dickinson, a Quaker, being 
one of the warmest defenders of the proprietary govern- 
ment. The Presbyterians were divided, those in the west 
being for the change and those in the east against it. 
When the new assembly got together it was found that a 
large number were in favor of the new move. The propri- 



CONTROVERSIES WITH THE PENN HEIRS 129 



etary party, however, had succeeded in defeating Franklin 
for reelection to the assembly. 

John Dickinson. — One man, who was brought into 
prominence by this controversy, is worthy of mention. 
This was John Dickinson. He was a Quaker, born in 
Maryland, who had studied law in Delaware and had for- 
merly been a member of the Delaware assembly; he had 
also studied law in England and had practiced for ten years. 
At this time he was a resi- 
dent of Philadelphia. Dick- 
inson was one of the most 
brilUant writers and speak- 
ers in the colonies; his 
style was clear and his 
reasoning sound. He was 
naturally conservative and 
thought the present step 
premature. His arguments 
in support of his position 
were the following: 

If Pennsylvania became 
a royal province the Church 

of England would become the established church, while 
under the Penn charter the people had religious freedom. 
There would probably be a standing army which the 
colonists would have to support. Under the old charter 
commerce was free and untaxed; the assembly had many 
privileges, was chosen annually, and had the power of 
raising and disbursing money; the people had the right 
to elect a few officers. These rights they had gained after 
a controversy lasting eighty years; with a change they 
might lose them all. The Enghsh ministry did not favor 




John Dickinson. 



I30 



CONTROVERSIES WITH THE PENN HEIRS 




Benjamin Franklin, America's "Grand Old Man. 



Pennsylvania as they believed that the Quakers and Pres- 
byterians had been responsible for the riots and Indian 
wars in the colony, and they had no respect for non- 
conformists. 



CONTROVERSIES WITH THE PENN HEIRS 131 

Franklin sent to England.— When a vote was taken 
upon the subject Dickinson had but two men to stand 
with him. The assembly prepared an address to be taken 
to the king and chose Benjamin Frankhn to dehver it. 
Dickinson objected to this choice saying that Frankhn 
was not a good person to send as he had no influence with 
either the proprietors or the king, and he had been re- 
pudiated at the election. Franklin entered upon the 
journey, however, and finally reached London. After this 
address had been pubhshed, it began to be doubted whether 
the move were a wise one. Franklin did not press the 
matter in England, for when he arrived there, he found 
a new question concerning the colonies before the people, 
namely, the question of taxation by parhament. 

John and Richard Penn. — John Penn remained governor 
of Pennsylvania until the Revolutionary War began. 
From 1 77 1 to 1773 ^^ was in Europe, and Richard Penn, 
his brother, acted as governor. Richard was quiet and 
gentle, and well liked by the people. When John re- 
turned, he removed Richard from power and for a time 
there was bitterness between them. John finally had 
him appointed a naval officer and the friendly feehng 
returned. 

SUMMARY 

The governors of Pennsylvania who were appointed by the Penns 
were instructed by them to veto any bills which should tax the 
proprietary lands. This led to continual friction between them and 
the assembly. Finally the assembly, after putting the matter to a 
vote of the people, decided to petition the king of England to turn 
Pennsylvania into a royal province. Franklin favored this and 
was sent to England to present the petition to the king. Dickinson 
was the leading opponent of the measure. 



132 CONTROVERSIES WITH THE PENN HEIRS 

QUESTIONS 

1. Did the Pennsylvania assembly refuse to levy taxes to sup- 
port war? 

2. Why did the governors veto bills to support war? 

3. How long was John Penn governor? 

4. What was the strongest objection to the proprietary govern- 
ment? 

5. What arguments were there in favor of the proprietary 
government? 

6. Why were the Episcopalians in favor of the proprietary party? 

7. Give a brief account of John Dickinson. 

8. Was Franklin successful in his mission to England? 

9. Who was the last colonial governor of Pennsylvania? 
10. How does a royal province differ from a proprietary? 

REFERENCES 

Egle: The History of Pennsylvania. 

Sharpless: Two Centuries of Pennsylvania History. 

Franklin: Autobiography. 

Jenkins: Pennsylvania, Colonial and Federal. 



CHAPTER XIV 
BOUNDARY DISPUTES 

Review. — The Delaware River, as the eastern boundary 
of the province, was never disputed. But there were vari- 
ous controversies connected with the other boundaries. We 
have seen that Penn, in order to do away with disputes with 
the Baltimores and to protect his port, obtained a title to 
what is now Delaware, from the Duke of York. Lord 
Baltimore had a grant which antedated that but it gave 
him lands not then occupied. As there had been previous 
settlements along Delaware Bay by the Swedes and Dutch, 
it was held that this territory was not included. There 
were disputes between the proprietors upon the subject 
nevertheless, for Baltimore was not the man to give up 
land without a struggle. 

Interpretation of Penn's charter. — The colonists of 
Pennsylvania and Maryland were frequently at odds about 
the boundary between them. This was due to the state- 
ment in Penn's charter that his land was to include all 
between the 40th and 42nd degrees. When it was found 
that this did not include the city of Philadelphia, the com- 
missioners representing the Penn interests contended that 
the 40th degree began where the 39th left off, that is, at the 
39th parallel. Lord Baltimore and his heirs held that the 
40th parallel was the correct boundary. It is evident from 
various circumstances that the king intended to include the 

133 




134 



BOUNDARY DISPUTES i 3 5 

place where Philadelphia now stands and that the knowledge 
of the location of the parallels was very inaccurate; for in- 
stance, one of the points in the description of the boundary 
was that the line should join a circle with a radius of twelve 
miles about the city of New Castle. As such a circle could 
not touch the 40th parallel, it is evident that the king was 
misinformed. 

Controversies.— The dispute was carried successively to 
the king and the council and several times an agreement 








fei; 



Birthplace of David Rittenhouse, Germantown. 

was reached. Each time, however, the Lord Baltimore in 
power found some excuse for not following out the agree- 
ment. Finally Penn died and Charles Calvert, the fifth 
Lord Baltimore, suggested to Penn's widow that neither 
give land in the disputed territory until a permanent set- 
tlement could be reached. Both adhered to this arrange- 
ment. In 1732, after the death of Hannah Penn, Baltimore 
again made an agreement with John and Thomas Penn. 
Under this, a circle with a radius of twelve miles was to be 



136 



BOUNDARY DISPUTES 



drawn about New Castle, a tangent was to be drawn from 
the middle point of the peninsula to this circle, and a paral- 
lel of latitude, fifteen miles south of South Street in Phila- 
delphia, was to be drawn due west from this. This placed 
the Hne where everybody but the Baltimores thought it 
should be, namely, where it is now. 

David Rittenhouse. — Soon, however, the Baltimores be- 
gan to make excuses for the purpose of delaying. In 1750 

the English courts or- 
dered the terms of the 
agreement to be carried 
out, but Baltimore was a 
master of delay and in 
1760 a new agreement 
was made. Three years 
were spent in surveying 
the hnes of Delaware. 
David Rittenhouse, one 
of the greatest mathe- 
maticians of his day, 
gained quite a reputa- 
tion by surveying the 
circle about New Castle. 
Mason and Dixon. — 
The work that had been 
done was too slow to 
satisfy the proprietors and it is possible that they did 
not have all confidence in a colonial like Rittenhouse. 
They therefore employed two English surveyors. Mason 
and Dixon, to run the southern boundary. These men went 
over the circle which Rittenhouse had surveyed and found 
that their line did not differ from his by an inch. In 1763 











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^"u^^^m^^^mi Si^w 




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hJBSmBJJ^ 


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91 


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hH^% "^J^^ '^^^ 




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One of the stones marking Mason and 
Dixon's line. 



BOUNDARY DISPUTES 137 

they began the famous line westward. They cleared a 
space twenty-four feet wide in the forests and surveyed the 
line in the middle of it. At the end of each mile was placed 
a stone, having the letter P on one side and M on the other; 
every fifth stone had the arms of the Penns on one side and 
those of the Baltimores on the other. 

Indians interfere. — Mason and Dixon worked at this for 
four years. Toward the last the Indians began to interfere, 
because they could not understand what these proceedings 
of the surveyors meant. Their objections finally caused 
Mason and Dixon to discontinue the work. The surveyors 
had succeeded, however, in passing the limit of Maryland 
and going along what is now the West Virginia Hne as far 
as the Warrior Branch of the Catawba Indian trail. 
Mason and Dixon's line became famous years afterward as 
the division between the slave and the free states. 

The Virginia claim. — Even the title to western Pennsyl- 
vania was not always undisputed. The Virginians early 
laid claim to lands in the Ohio Valley on both sides of the 
river. It will be remembered that Governor Dinwiddle of 
Virginia sent the boy Washington to protest against the 
occupancy of these lands by the French. When the Vir- 
ginians tried to build a fort at the place where Pittsburgh 
now stands, the Pennsylvania authorities knew about it and 
permitted it, but did so only with the reservation that Penn- 
sylvania owned the land. 

Dunmore^s war. — In 1774 the Virginians, under Doctor 
John Connolly, took possession of the fort and called it 
Fort Dunmore after the governor, but not without resistance 
on the part of the Pennsylvania settlers in that region. The 
province had opened a court at Hannastown, a little village 
since destroyed by the Indians, situated a few miles from 



138 



BOUNDARY DISPUTES 



the present site of Greensburg. Connolly surrounded the 
house in which the court was held and took all records and 
papers to Pittsburgh. At this time an Indian war in Ohio 
and Virginia was being carried on by the Virginia author- 
ities. This and the 
Revolutionary War oc- 
cupied the attention of 
the settlers for a time 
and nothing was accom- 
plished in connection 
with the controversy. 
In 1779 an agreement 
between the two colo- 
nies was reached that 
the southern boundary 
should continue west- 
ward along the direc- 
tion of the Mason and 
Dixon line to the end 
of the five degrees 
mentioned in Penn's charter and then due northward to 
Lake Erie. In 1784 these Unes were surveyed by David 
Rittenhouse. 

The Connecticut grant. — When, in 1662, the colonists of 
Connecticut were granted a charter by Charles II, their 
territory was described as running between the southern 
boundary of Massachusetts and Long Island Sound and 
extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. These 
lines would include almost all the northern half of the 
present state of Pennsylvania. In 1682, Charles granted 
his charter to WiUiam Penn and as this was to be between 
the 40th and 42nd degrees, it covered a part of the same 




__._Pre8ent bounds under Penn's claim 
000000 Line 5 degrees from Delaware B. 

Extreme bounds claimed by Penn. 

44tt4t. JJortliern Ix>und of Maryland's claim 
■o — c^o- Eastern bound of Virginia's claim 

Southern, bound of Connecticut's claim 

Present state boundaries 



Map showing the boundary claims in 
Pennsylvania. 



BOUNDARY DISPUTES 13Q 

territory. The Connecticut grant described the tract as 
including only such land as was not already occupied. As 
the Dutch were then settled in New Amsterdam and the 
Hudson Valley, these sections had to be excluded. When 
the English came into possession of New Amsterdam and 
changed its name to New York, the question of boundary 
between that colony and Connecticut became frequently a 
matter of dispute. Twice it was settled and in both cases 
the colonists of Connecticut accepted a line between the 
two as their western boundary. This ought to have shut 
off their claim to the lands in the west but it did not. A 
final decision was not made until 1782 when Congress de- 
cided that Connecticut had no rightful claim upon lands in 
Pennsylvania. 

The Wyoming Valley. — Notwithstanding her claims to 
Pennsylvania, Connecticut did not make any effort to 
settle there until after the year 1750. During the summer 
of that year some Connecticut explorers traveled into the 
lands and came upon the beautiful Wyoming Valley. Their 
descriptions of this were so attractive that the country 
became the subject for talk all through New England. 
Through the valley flowed the Susquehanna, entering at 
the north through the Lackawannock Gap and leaving it 
in the southwest by the Nanticoke Gap. The bottom lands 
were of remarkable richness and loveliness ; the woods were 
full of game and the streams full of fish. At the time of this 
visit peaceful Delawares were living upon the banks of the 
river. The only white man who had ever visited these 
scenes was the Moravian missionary Count Zinzendorf . In 
later years the romantic history of the valley made it the 
subject of many poems, the most famous one being Gertrude 
of Wyoming by Campbell. 



I40 BOUNDARY DISPUTES 

The Susquehanna Company. — Tempted by the pictures 
drawn by these first visitors, about six hundred people of 
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut formed a 
company, called the Susquehanna Company, for the pur- 
pose of opening the new region to settlement. The people 
from Connecticut were in the majority. In 1754, they 
met representatives of the Six Nations at Albany from 
whom they obtained a title to the lands for £2,000. Rep- 
resentatives of the Penns were present and tried to prevent 
the purchase, but at that time the Six Nations were not 
altogether friendly to the proprietors because they had 
been buying lands from the local Pennsylvania tribes. 

The settlement. — In 1762 the Susquehanna Company 
sent a colony of 114 persons to settle in the Wyoming 
Valley. They called their settlement Westmoreland. 
Next year 150 were sent. These were at first undisturbed 
by the Indians and allowed to gather their first harvest. 
Then on the fifteenth of October, 1763, the Indians fell upon 
them and killed and scalped twenty of them. The rest 
fled from the valley. The refugees made their way as best 
they could toward New York and the settlements along the 
Lehigh. The Indians fearing retaliation, withdrew from 
the vicinity and the valley was deserted for five or six years. 

SUMMARY 

There were numerous disputes concerning the boundaries of 
Pennsylvania. The eastern boundary was always admitted to be 
the Delaware River, but the line between the colony and her south- 
ern neighbors was a matter of dispute for many years. In 1750 it 
was practically settled and David Rittenhouse began to locate the 
line. In 1763 Mason and Dixon were employed and ran the southern 
boundary until stopped by the Indians near the Catawba Trail. 
There was likewise a controversy with Virginia over the boundaries 



BOUNDARY DISPUTES 141 

of southwestern Pennsylvania which resulted in a use of force. The 
present boundaries were agreed upon in 1779 and later surveyed by 
Rittenhouse. Connecticut claimed the northern half of the colony 
and began to make settlements in the Wyoming Valley. A company 
called the Susquehanna Land Company sent settlers there in 1762 
and 1763. In 1763 the Indians fell upon them and massacred 
many of them. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. Draw a map showing the boundaries between Pennsylvania 
and Delaware. 

2. Read the life of David Rittenhouse in any encyclopedia 
and write a paragraph about him. 

3. Of what importance was the Mason and Dixon line in later 
history? 

4. Why did the Indians interfere with the running of the line? 

5. What claim had Virginia to land north of the Mason and 
Dixon line? 

6. What counties were there in Pennsylvania at this time? 

7. What was the county seat of Westmoreland County in 1774? 

8. What claim did Connecticut have upon Pennsylvania lands? 

9. Was the massacre mentioned in this chapter the famous 
Wyoming Massacre? 

10. What reminder is there of Virginia's claim to land north of 
Mason and Dixon's line? 

REFERENCES 

Miner: History of Wyoming. 
Hoyt: Brief of a Title. 



CHAPTER XV 
THE YANKEE-PENNAMITE WARS 

The Penn claims. — The Penns were never satisfied with 
the outcome of the Albany purchase. Many years before, 
they had made an agreement with the Six Nations that no 
land should be sold within the boundaries of the colony 
without their first being given a chance to purchase it; but 
this agreement had been disregarded. They determined to 
take up the matter in England; but before doing this they 
thought it best to attempt again to get some title from the 
Indians. Accordingly in 1768 their commissioners met 
representatives of the Six Nations at Fort Stanwix and 
obtained a deed to the disputed territory. 

Second effort at settlement. — In February, 1769, a second 
band of forty colonists was sent from Connecticut with 
horses, cattle, household and farming equipment to the 
Wyoming Valley with orders to resist the Pennsylvania 
men who might try to drive them out. In order to keep 
them steadfast they were given the sum of £200. When 
they arrived they built a blockhouse which they called Forty 
Fort from their number. Colonel Zebulon Butler, who was 
in command, was an experienced soldier and an able, fear- 
less, and energetic leader. The settlement was called West- 
moreland Township of Litchfield County, Connecticut. 

The Penn defenders. — The Penns, however, had fore- 
stalled the efforts of the Connecticut settlers. Under the 

142 



THE YANKEE-PENNAMITE WARS 



143 



leadership of Captain Amos Ogden, accompanied by Charles 
Stuart, surveyor, and John Jennings, the sheriff of North- 
ampton County in whose lands the valley was located, men 




Forty Fort. 



to the nurhber of thirteen had already occupied the position. 
They had taken possession of what log houses had been 
left from the previous expedition. FeeUng that they could 
convince the Penn men of the justice of their claim, Butler 
and one of the men went to talk with Ogden. They were 
immediately arrested by the sheriff as trespassers and taken 
to Easton, sixty miles away, followed by the rest of their 
friends. There they were released on bail and returned to 
Wyoming. Jennings then collected a posse, proceeded to 
Forty Fort, and arrested the forty. Back to Easton they 
walked, where they were again released on bail. Three 
times that summer similar troubles arose but so far no blood 



144 THE YANKEE-PENNAMITE WARS 

had been shed. Such was the beginning of the Yankee- 
Pennamite War. 

Parties in the war. — In order to understand the events in 
connection with this war, it is well to keep in mind that it 
was in reality a contest between the proprietors of Penn- 
sylvania, and the Susquehanna Company. The province 
of Pennsylvania really took very little interest in it, and 
when later taken to task for their part in the proceedings, 
the people of Connecticut disclaimed all responsibility for 
the trouble. If it had been an affair of Pennsylvania, 
doubtless they would have had little trouble in driving out 
the offenders, as the province was richer, more populous, 
and nearer the seat of operations than Connecticut. But 
the Penns could not afford to equip a large expedition 
against the company's men, and the province would not. 

Continuation of the war. — In the spring another band of 
settlers, two hundred and seventy strong, arrived from Con- 
necticut. They immediately built a fort which they called 
Fort Durkee, situated about a mile above where Wilkes- 
Barre now stands. When Ogden again entered the valley 
he found their position too strong to be attacked, so he 
withdrew. Meanwhile, representatives of the Susquehanna 
Company went to Philadelphia to try to arrange matters 
amicably. They were given no satisfaction. Two hundred 
armed men were collected by Ogden and marched to the 
valley. They carried with them a small four-pounder, a 
cannon that afterwards played an important part in the 
various engagements in the settlement, sometimes being in 
the possession of one side, sometimes of the other. Fifty 
men under Ogden preceded the main body, which was under 
Jennings. Captain Durkee was captured and sent a pris- 
oner to Philadelphia. When the main body came up they 



THE YANKEE-PENNAMITE WARS 



145 



captured all the settlers, kept a few of their leaders in irons, 
and drove all but seventeen of the rest back toward Con- 
necticut. Those left behind harvested the crops. Finally 
everything was destroyed and the seventeen were compelled 
by hunger to depart. Leaving ten men in the fort, Ogden 
and his men returned to Philadelphia. 

Third destruction. — The next trouble came from a party 
of forty Pennsylvanians from Lancaster County and ten 
Connecticut men who had been granted a township by 
Connecticut on condition that they would defend it. These 
soon captured Fort Durkee and the four-pounder. Ogden 
then undertook to regain possession of the region. He led 
his men to the old fort above Wilkes-Barre and kept quiet. 
A party of Connecticut men thinking that it was in the 
hands of friends marched up to it and were arrested. 
Durkee, who had returned from Philadelphia, now headed 
an attack upon Ogden. When he came near, those within 
the fort suddenly rushed out and captured a number of the 
attacking party. The Connecticut people lost one man 
killed and several wounded. The fort was then surrounded 
and the suppHes cut off. The storehouse was set on fire and 
Ogden was forced to surrender. 

Fourth destruction. — Ogden did not give up. After five 
months, he returned with one hundred and forty men. On 
the 2 1 St of September, 1770, he quietly entered the valley 
by an unused road. Dividing his men into parties of ten 
he waited until the settlers were distributed upon their 
farms at work. Each party was to capture the enemy one 
by one. In a short time he had captured a large number 
and sent them to jail at Easton. The rest took shelter in 
Fort Durkee. Learning that the enemy were weak in num- 
bers Ogden attacked the fort, killing and wounding many. 



146 



THE YANKEE-PENNAMITE WARS 



All the settlers were then driven away and their property 
destroyed. This was the fourth time that the Connecticut 
settlement was blotted out of existence. A garrison of 
twenty men was left 
to hold the fort. 

Fifth destruction. 
— In December Stu- 
art and a party un- 
expectedly fell upon 
the defenders and 
took the fort. Back 
came Ogden with one 
hundred men. About 
four hundred yards 
from Fort Durkee he 
built another fort 
which he called 
Wyoming. On 
the 20th of 





"He floated down the river, drawing 
a bundle of clothes." 



January, 1771, he attacked the Connecticut people and 
was repulsed. His brother was killed and three men 
wounded. Stuart escaped during the night and for a fifth 
time the settlement was destroyed. 

Ogden's swim. — In April, one hundred and fifty Con- 
necticut people under Zebulon Butler laid siege to Ogden's 



THE YANKEE-PENNAMITE WARS 147 

position. The representatives of the Penns were in sore 
straits. Something had to be done. Finally Ogden himself 
determined to make an effort to obtain help. So at night, 
he floated down the river, drawing behind him a bundle 
of clothes with his hat on top. Many shots pierced the 
clothes and hat but he got away unharmed, reached 
Philadelphia, and obtained assistance. 

Dick's surrender. — Captain Dick, in command of the re- 
enforcements, ran into an ambush near Wyoming and lost 
nine of his men and his provisions. Butler knowing that 
additional help would arrive from Philadelphia redoubled 
his efforts to capture the fort and lost one killed and several 
wounded. Feeling that affairs were hopeless, Ogden and 
Dick surrendered in 1771. This was the end of the First 
Pennamite War. The proprietors were driven out and for 
four years made no attempt to recover their property. Con- 
necticut now definitely claimed the region and represen- 
tatives from Westmoreland were elected to the Connecticut 
legislature and took part in its deliberations. They even 
went so far as to claim $40,000 damages from Pennsylvania. 

The Second Pennamite War. — Being left to themselves 
the Connecticut people began to pour into Westmoreland. 
Soon they overflowed the valley and settled elsewhere. One 
of the spots chosen by them for settlement was the beautiful 
Muncy Valley on the West Branch of the Susquehanna. As 
this was outside the section claimed by Connecticut, a party 
of Pennsylvanians under a man named Plunkett marched 
against these settlers, in September, 1775, and after killing 
one and wounding others, returned to Sunbury with their 
prisoners. Plunkett was now accepted as a leader and went 
to the assembly for assistance. Conditions had changed 
considerably since the First Pennamite War. That, as we 



148 THE YANKEE-PENNAMITE WARS 

have seen, was a fight between the Penns and the Susque- 
hanna Company ; but Penn had since organized two manors 
which were called the manors of Stoke and Sunbury. A 
number of portions of land had been sold to his colonists so 
that now there was greater interest in the controversy than 
there had been before. The assembly which before had 
taken no interest at all now voted Plunkett seven hundred 
men and equipment. Subscription papers were passed 
and leading men of the province gave sums to the amount 
of £500. With this imposing array they proceeded from 
Sunbury up the valley toward Westmoreland. When across 
the river from Nanticoke they walked into an ambush 
which had been arranged under the leadership of Zebulon 
Butler. Two attacks were made upon the position of the 
Yankees without success. Finally Plunkett retired. This 
ended armed resistance by the Penns. 

The Third Pennamite War. — The Revolutionary War had 
begun and both sides agreed that it would be better to 
fight the common enemy and leave the question of titles 
until a later day. In 1782, shortly after the fall of York town, 
commissioners were appointed by Congress to decide the 
question between the two states. This was the first case 
of the kind under the Confederation. After days of work 
the commissioners decided unanimously that the land be- 
longed to Pennsylvania. This, however, did not settle 
the question of the various titles which were held. After 
many trials running over a period of many years, and 
after some bloodshed, which is sometimes called the 
Third Pennamite War, the matter was finally adjusted in 
1807. 

Erie triangle.— We have seen the various struggles by 
which Pennsylvania held to its boundaries. There was still 



THE YANKEE-PENNAMITE WARS 149 

a controversy with New York upon the subject of the 
northern Hne. Under his charter Penn was entitled to three 
degrees but this was never seriously pressed. In 1789 an 
agreement was made between the two states to place the 
boundary at the 42nd degree, which Rittenhouse had sur- 
veyed and marked in 1785-7. Since this gave the state but 
a small outlet on Lake Erie, it was not satisfactory. New 
York and Massachusetts had both claimed the land west 
of New York but had surrendered it to the national gov- 
ernment. In 1788 by permission of the government, Penn- 
sylvania purchased the triangle from the Indians and in 
1792 confirmed her title by giving the government of the 
United States $151,640. This gave the state a good harbor 
on the lake which has developed into Erie, one of the most 
progressive cities of the country. 

SUMMARY 

The Penns were not content to let the Connecticut Company get 
possession of lands in Pennsylvania without a struggle. When 
settlers from Connecticut arrived in the valley after the massacre 
they found a small body of men who had been sent by Penn to pro- 
tect his rights. Among these was the sheriff of Northampton County 
in which the valley was located. The leaders of the New Englanders 
were arrested and taken to Easton, their friends following. There 
they were released on bail. This kind of performance occurred 
several times. Several forts were built, a four-pounder taken to the 
scene of the trouble, and a few men killed and wounded. The repre- 
sentatives of Penn were usually successful, but finally the Connecticut 
settlers held their ground. A second and a third Pennamite war 
followed and the dispute was not finally settled until the nineteenth 
century. 

In 1788 and 1792, Pennsylvania purchased, from the Indians 
and the national government, the Erie Triangle for more than 
$150,000. 



I^O THE YANKEE-PENNAMITE WARS 

QUESTIONS 

1. What right had the Six Nations to sell Pennsylvania land? 

2. On which side of the Yankee-Pennamite Wars were the fol- 
lowing: Ogden, Stuart, Butler, Jennings, Durkee, Plunkett? 

3. Which man mentioned in the chapter had greatest ability 
as a soldier? 

4. If the northern boundary of Pennsylvania were continued to 
the ocean, would it cut Connecticut? 

5. Describe the bravest act mentioned in the chapter. 

6. Where is the Muncy Valley? Nanticoke? 

7. How far is Easton from the Wyoming Valley? 

8. In what county was the Wyoming Valley in 1770? In what 
county is it now? 

9. Why did Pennsylvania want the Erie triangle? 

io. Describe the Wyoming Valley as it is now, giving towns 
located in it, and the various industries of its people. How does it 
differ from the Wyoming Valley of one hundred and fifty years ago? 

REFERENCES 

Miner: History of Wyoming. 

Sharpless: Two Centuries of Pennsylvania History, 



CHAPTER XVI 

CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION 

Laws regulating commerce.— The colonies were dis- 
turbed greatly by acts passed by parliament for the regu- 
lation of American commerce. These required that the 
trade of the colonies should be carried in Enghsh ships; 
that certain goods should go to England before going to' 
other countries; that goods such as were manufactured 
in England should first go there before going to other col- 
onies; and that no goods could enter from other European 
countries without first going to England. These acts 
were meant to build up the trade of England but they were 
not always beneficial to the colonies and were regarded 
as unjust. 

The effect. — These laws discouraged manufacturing in 
the colonies. There were hatters in Philadelphia, but the 
trade was only local, as hats could not be sold even to the 
people of New Jersey without first being sent to England. 
The colonists were permitted to make pig iron and at an 
early date, 1716, it was made near Pottstown; in the year 
1727 there were furnaces at Durham and Colcbrookdale. 
They were not allowed, however, to make steel from the 
crude iron. There were a number of forges and slitting 
mills in various parts of the colony, and gun factories 
such as those at Easton and in Berks County were winked 
at though forbidden. Woolen goods and paper were 

151 



152 CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION 

made near Philadelphia and there were a number of places 
where shipbuilding was carried on along the Delaware. 
Round-bottomed boats with keels were made to carry the 
products of the furnace at Durham to Philadelphia. These 
were called Durham boats. 

Pittsburgh industries. — Before the Revolution, Pitts- 
burgh had not begun the industries which have since 
made her great. Iron works did not appear in western 
Pennsylvania until about 1790 when a furnace was started 
at Jacobs Creek in Fayette County. All the iron for that 
part of the colony had to be carried over the Allegheny 
Mountains on horseback. The first iron furnace in Pitts- 
burgh was built in 1792. Flatboats were built at Browns- 
ville and Connellsville before 1788 and at a later date at 
Pittsburgh to carry merchandise down the Ohio. This 
business grew to considerable proportions. 

The feeling of the colonists. — The interference of the 
mother country in the growth of the industries of the 
province was an imposition and aroused a feehng of re- 
sentment among the colonists. Because they were located 
so far from England they had done pretty much as they 
pleased and they did not readily give up what they be- 
lieved to be their rights. Many became smugglers and the 
colonists secretly sympathized with them in their law- 
breaking. Courts were estabHshed to try these but the 
offenders were not granted a trial by jury. Englishmen 
regarded this as a clear violation of their.rights. The mother 
country added to the hostile feeling by requiring the 
colonies to support these unpopular courts. 

Quartering of soldiers. — After England had come into 
possession of the French lands in America, she felt that 
it would be necessary to protect them. She therefore 



CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION 



153 



distributed about ten thousand soldiers throughout the 
colonies and forced the people to bear the expense of sup- 
porting them. 




The new taxes were decidedly unpopular. 



Taxation. — In order to pay the debts incurred in con- 
nection with the recent wars and to raise money to sup- 
port the English soldiery, parliament determined to tax 
the colonies. Pennsylvania could not deny the right 
of the mother country to do so, as this had been especially 
reserved in the charter, but she did object to taxation 
without representation. The colonists did not question the 
right of their assembly to levy taxes because the mem- 
bers were their chosen representatives. In the same way 
they would not have objected to a tax by parHament, 
if that body had contained men representing them. 

Tax on molasses. — ^A tax was laid on sugar and mo- 



154 CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION 

lasses, and on all such products that came from any 
places other than the Enghsh possessions in the West 
Indies. This was opposed time and again but without 
effect. Finally a part of it was repealed. There still re- 
mained a tax on coffee, tea, and a few other things. 

The Stamp Act. — Another unpopular way of raising 
revenue was by the Stamp Tax which was passed in 1765. 
Under the conditions of this tax all kinds of documents 
such as deeds and mortgages had to have stamps upon 
them to be legal; every newspaper was also compelled 
to bear one of these stamps. They were not like the 
stamps which are pasted on letters in these days, but 
were impressions printed upon the paper. Most of the 
publishers could not afford to pay the tax and so dis- 
continued their publications. Many who could afford it 
refused to issue their papers because they believed that 
England had no right to tax them. 

Stamp distributors. — The men who acted as stamp 
distributors were far from popular. Some were coated 
with tar and ridden upon rails. The offices of others were 
broken into and the equipment destroyed. While Franklin 
was in Europe, he did what he could to have the act re- 
pealed. Finding that he was unable to stop the carrying 
out of the law, he had a friend of his appointed stamp 
distributor. He did not realize the opposition that there 
was to the measure in the colonies. 

Repeal.— So much opposition resulted that, in 1766, 
the act was repealed, although at the same time parlia- 
ment maintained its right to tax America. When the 
news of the repeal reached America there was great re- 
joicing. In 1767, a tax on tea, glass, paper, and painters' 
colors was laid. 



CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION 



I^ 



:)D 



Farmer's letters.— At this time it was customary to 
publish pamphlets upon all sorts of subjects. These took 
the place of the daily paper to some extent. Of the many 
that were written upon the subject of taxation the ablest 
were a series called Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania 
to the Inhabitants of the British Colonies. They were 
written by John Dickinson and published in Philadelphia 
in 1768. They had a wide circulation on both sides of the 
Atlantic and had as much 
to do with making the colo- 
nists take a firm stand 
against taxation without 
representation as any other 
writing. 

Tax on tea. — In 1770, 
after repeated protests, all 
of the tax of 1767 was re- 
moved except a tax of three 
pence a pound on tea. In 
1773 there were millions of 
pounds of tea on the hands 
of the East India Company 
which they were unable to 
sell. The Enghsh govern- 
ment removed the duty 
upon it and the company 
sent shiploads of it to America. There it was to be sold 
at less than its value even with the addition of the small 
tax; but the spirit of the colonists was aroused and they 
would not permit it to be sold. The Polly with a cargo 
for Philadelphia was stopped in Delaware Bay and its cap- 
tain ordered to return with it to Ens^land. After investi- 




'He was ordered to return." 



156 CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION 

gating the feeling of the people upon the subject he con- 
cluded that this was the best thing to do. 

Boston Tea Party. — -The people of Massachusetts were 
most active in opposition to the tax. When ships bearing 
tea entered Boston Harbor, they were boarded by a num- 
ber of the citizens disguised as Indians; the chests of tea 
were broken into and their contents poured upon the water. 
This is usually called the "Boston Tea Party." 

When the report of this opposition reached England, it 
was determined to punish the rebellious people of Boston. 
In the spring of 1774, the Boston Port Bill closed the 
port of Boston and transferred the offices, records, and 
papers to Salem. This change caused great hardship to 
the merchants and others employed either directly or in- 
directly in the commerce of Boston. The charter was also 
taken away from the Massachusetts colony and under the 
new conditions all its officers were to be appointed by the 
king; they could not even have public meetings without 
permission from the governor. Murderers were to be sent 
to England or other colonies to be tried and soldiers were 
sent to be quartered upon the people of Boston. 

SUMMARY 

Laws, which kept manufacturing from flourishing, were made 
by England regulating commerce between the different colonies; 
courts for trying smugglers were created and the colonists were taxed 
to support them; soldiers were quartered upon the people; and taxes 
were levied upon different kinds of goods. At first, all sugar and 
molasses which had not come from the British West Indies were 
taxed; then a tax was laid upon documents and newspapers; and 
lastly a small tax was laid upon tea and the other taxes removed. 
The colonists objected to any kind of taxation without representation 
and resisted the last effort of England; the citizens of Boston poured 



CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION 



157 



the tea that was sent them into the harbor. On this account the 
port of Boston was closed and soldiers sent there to keep order. 
The charter was also taken from ]\Iassachusetts. 

QUESTIONS 

1. Give an example, if possible, of each of the things com- 
plained of in the Declaration of Independence. 

2. Why did England pass laws regulating the commerce of the 
colonies? 

3. What were some of the early industries of Pennsylvania? 

4. What Pennsylvania towns are m.entioned in this chapter? 
Locate each. 

5. When did England come into possession of the French 
lands? What lands are meant? 

6. What is meant by " quartering " soldiers? 

7. Name four ways in which England taxed the colonies. 

8. W^hat do you know about John Dickinson that is not given 
in this chapter? 

9. How were the ships bearing tea received in Pennsylvania? 
in Boston? 

10. In what connection is Salem mentioned in this chapter? 

REFERENCES 

Fiske: The American Revolution, I. 82-99. 
McMaster: History of the United States. 
Franklin: Autobiography. 



CHAPTER XVII 
RESISTANCE TO OPPRESSION 

Paul Revere. — When the news of the passing of the 
Port Bill reached Boston, the citizens of that town sent 
letters to the various colonies asking them to join with 
Massachusetts in refusing to purchase tea or anything 
else from England. Paul Revere was the messenger who 
brought the letters to Philadelphia for Joseph Reed, Charles 
Thomson, and Thomas Mifihn. The people of Penn- 
sylvania were very much moved by the misfortunes of 
their sister colony and throughout the province the first 
of June, which was the day on which the Port Bill was 
to go into effect, was observed as a day of fasting and 
prayer. 

A congress called. — When the Virginia legislature heard 
of the Boston Port Bill and other dishked bills which 
had been made at the same time, they passed resolutions 
calling for a congress of representatives from the various 
colonies to meet in Philadelphia in September, 1774. 

A meeting of citizens. — Before the congress could meet, 
a comm.ittee of gentlemen in Philadelphia, agitated by 
the passing of the Boston Port Bill and the other un- 
popular acts, sent letters throughout Pennsylvania to the 
principal people calling a convention in the State House 
on Wednesday, June 15, 1774, to discuss what had best be 
done. Those to whom the letters were addressed called 

158 



RESISTANCE TO OPPRESSION I 5q 

together their friends and neighbors and found out from 
these meetings the sentiments of their communities. 
These gatherings also selected delegates to the convention 
which met at Philadelphia, at the appointed time, and 
passed a number of resolutions. 

The " Resolves."— The resolutions of this convention 
were sixteen in number. In the first they acknowledge 
their allegiance to Great Britain and express their love 
and loyalty for her. They state that they should have 
the same rights and privileges as other EngHshmen. They 
point out that the Boston Port Bill and other acts passed 
at the same time were unconstitutional, and they advise 
all persons to refrain from dealing with Great Britain, 
or with anybody or any colony that carries on commerce 
with her while the Port Bill and other intolerable acts are 
in effect. The assembly was instructed to appoint dele- 
gates to the congress soon to meet and a committee with 
John Dickinson as its chairman drew up resolutions in- 
structing the delegates to unite with the representatives 
of the other colonies in any measures which the congress 
should adopt. 

The Pennsylvania delegates. — When the assembly met, 
it followed the recommendation of the convention and ap- 
pointed delegates to congress. These were Joseph Gallo- 
way, Daniel Rhodes, Thomas Mifilin, Charles Humphreys, 
John Morton, George Ross, and Edward Biddle. Later 
John Dickinson was added to the number. 

Officers of the Congress. — The First Continental Con- 
gress met on the fifth of September, in Carpenter's Hall, 
Philadelphia, every colony being represented except 
Georgia. They chose Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, 
president, and Charles Thomson, of Pennsylvania, secre- 



i6o 



RESISTANCE TO OPPRESSION 



tary. Thomson retained this position through the sessions 
of the First and the Second Congress, and conducted all 
the business of those trying times with fairness and patri- 
otic ardor. He was a man of learning and had been for 

years the principal 
of the Penn Char- 
ter Academy. 

Declaration of 
Rights. — The most 
important business 
of the Congress 
was the drawing up 
of a Declaration of 
Rights. This stated 
that all people had 
certain rights, 
among them being 
life, liberty, and 
property; that they 
were British sub- 
jects and as such 
were bound by no 
laws which had not 
been passed by a body containing their own chosen repre- 
sentatives and for this reason parliament had no right to 
tax them; that as Englishmen they had a right to have 
a trial by jury, to gather in public meetings, and to 
make petitions. 

They protested against the quartering of soldiers on the 
colonies, and legislation passed by councils appointed by 
the king. They ended the declaration by an enumeration of 
the instances in which these rights had been disregarded. 




^^5m 



T 



RESISTANCE TO OPPRESSION l6i 

The association. — Some form of government was 
needed, so Congress spent some time in getting up articles 
of association. On the twentieth of October these were 
signed and remained in effect until a more permanent 
confederation was formed by the Second Congress. A 
number of addresses were formulated, one to the people 
of Great Britain and another to his Majesty, George III. 
They breathed with loyalty, yet at the same time clearly 
stated the position of the colonists. The Congress finally 
adjourned to meet in the following May, in the State 
House in Philadelphia. 

Report to the assembly. — The Pennsylvania assembly 
was the first state assembly to act upon the report. 
The members gave it their unanimous approval and 
selected Messrs. Biddle, Dickinson, Mifflin, Galloway, 
Humphreys, Morton, and Ross as delegates to the next 
congress. As Franklin had just returned from Europe 
loaded with honors, he was also chosen as a member and 
later James Wilson and Thomas Willing were added. Gallo- 
way, who was always friendly to the English, finding that 
affairs were going further than he could approve, withdrew. 
He later became a Tory, and his estates were confiscated. 

Provincial convention. — On the twenty-third of January, 
1775? 3, provincial convention was held at Philadelphia. 
Each county of the colony was represented. Among those 
present were Dickinson, Miffiin, Taylor, Clymer, Rush, 
all members of Congress; Thomson, who was secretary 
of Congress, and Joseph Reed and Anthony Wayne, 
afterwards famous generals in the Revolutionary army. 
A series of resolutions was adopted, which are interesting 
for the hght they throw upon manufacturing conditions 
in Pennsylvania at the time. 



1 62 RESISTANCE TO OPPRESSION 

Resolutions. — The colonists were advised to make 
certain things for which they had previously been largely 
dependent upon England. They were asked not to kill 
any sheep under four years old, and advised to make 
*' coating, flannel, blankets, rugs, or coverlids, hosiery and 
coarse cloths, both broad and narrow." The making of 
dye-stuffs was suggested. Among the articles which the 
colonists were urged to raise or manufacture were hemp, 
flax, saltpeter, powder, nails, wire, glass, wool combs and 
cards, and copper kettles. They were asked to save all 
scraps of paper or linen that could be made into paper, 
and to use the "printing types made to a considerable 
degree of perfection by an ingenious artist in Germantown." 

Lexington. — The citizens of Massachusetts had fore- 
seen that there would be war and were known to be col- 
lecting arms and ammunition near Boston. On the night 
of the eighteenth of April, 1775, a regiment of British 
soldiers was sent by General Gage to Concord, a little 
town some twenty miles northwest of Boston. In the 
early morning they arrived at Lexington. They had ex- 
pected to take the place by surprise but the ringing of 
bells and the flashing of lanterns had revealed their move- 
ments. A Httle band of minutemen was on the green. 
Major Pitcairn, the officer in command, ordered them to 
disperse. When they stood their ground, the British 
fired and killed or wounded sixteen of them. 

Concord. — From Lexington the regiment marched to 
Concord. There they set fire to a number of buildings, 
spiked a few guns, and destroyed some flour. Some soldiers 
were left to guard the North Bridge. These were attacked 
by a small band of colonials and a few of the minutemen 
were killed. The British then were driven away, and about 



RESISTANCE TO OPPRESSION 163 

noon started for Boston. Hundreds of minutemen fol- 
lowed and fired upon them from behind trees, walls, and 
buildings. The retreat would have become a rout if the 
British had not received reenforcements at Lexington. 
The report of this engagement flew like wildfire and in a 
short time Boston was surrounded by bands of patriots. 

Second Continental Congress. — When word reached 
Philadelphia that blood had been shed at Lexington and 
Concord, the people became very much excited. When 
the Second Continental Congress met on May 10, 1775, 
they found that they had a war on their hands. One of 
the first things they did was to take steps to raise an 
army. The portion which Pennsylvania was to furnish 
was four thousand three hundred men. George Washing- 
ton was made commander in chief and immediately started 
for Boston to take command. 

Committee of Safety. — After Congress had apportioned 
the number of troops among the several colonies, the 
Pennsylvania assembly recommended to the commissioners 
of the various counties that they provide arms for their 
share of this force and that they have trained men ready 
to respond in a minute to any emergency. On June 
thirtieth, a Committee of Safety, consisting of twenty- 
live men, representing all counties, was appointed. This 
body organized by electing Benjamin Frankhn for 
president; WilHam Garrett, clerk; and Michael Hillegas, 
treasurer. 

Associators. — Almost immediately this committee pre- 
pared rules for military organizations called Associators. 
Many of the citizens refused to submit to these regulations 
because they thought that all should respond to the call 
for troops. It was recommended to the assembly that 



164 



RESISTANCE TO OPPRESSION 



those who did not wish to fight should give a money 
equivalent. The Friends, Mennonites, and Dunkers ob- 
jected to this. It was finally decided that persons whose 




Stairway in Congress Hall, Philadelphia. 



religious scruples would not permit them to engage in war 
might be exempt upon payment of an equivalent for the 
time spent in obtaining military discipHne. 



RESISTANCE TO OPPRESSION 165 

Westmoreland Declaration.— Some bands of Associators 
had been formed before the general rules for their govern- 
ment had been adopted by the Committee of Safety. 
Among the number were those formed in Hannastown 
and Pittsburgh on May 16, 1775. On that date the band 
at Hannastown, under the leadership of Arthur St. Clair, 
afterwards a major general in the army, drew up the 
'' Westmoreland Declaration of Independence" in which 
they asserted that they were ready to lay down their lives 
and fortunes in opposition to the policy of the English 
government.^ 

Pennsylvania state navy. — One of the first things done 
by the Committee of Safety was to look to the defense of 
the Delaware. Twelve boats were built, the first being 
the Experiment and the second the Bull Dog. This was 
the beginning of the state navy and antedated the national 
navy by over three months. Each boat carried two 
howitzers. Ten fire rafts were also constructed, which 
were loaded with tar barrels, turpentine casks, and other 
combustible substances. In addition there were two 
floating batteries, a ship of war, and smaller vessels. 
Altogether there were twenty-seven vessels in com- 
mission. 

Defense of the Delaware. — All merchant vessels were 
allowed to leave the harbor and immediately obstructions 
were sunk in various places for protection. The passage 
through these was concealed from general knowledge. 
The fire rafts were placed in Darby and Mantua creeks, 
and signal and alarm posts were stationed at intervals 
from the capes to the city. 

1 Similar resolutions had been passed the previous year by the Scotch- 
Irish of Hanover Township (near Harris Ferry) and the Germans of 
Hummelstown. 



1 66 RESISTANCE TO OPPRESSION 

Continental navy. — In October, 1775, a fleet was pro- 
vided for by Congress, and the Committee of Safety 
contributed to it all the arms and ammunition they 
could spare and permitted one hundred of their men to 
enlist. 

Battle in the bay. — The first opportunity for this fleet 
to be used in defense of Philadelphia was in May, 1776. 
Two British ships of war, the Roebuck, with forty-eight 
guns, and the Liverpool, with twenty-eight, were found 
to be coming up the river. On the eighth the battle began. 
It lasted about four hours with no special damage to 
either side. Finally it became dark and the Roebuck 
ran aground. During the night, however, the British 
succeeded in getting her off. In the morning the fight 
was renewed and the enemy were forced to leave the bay. 
The loss for the Americans was one killed and two wounded, 
and for the British, one killed and five wounded. The 
Americans felt that the only thing which kept them from 
capturing the enemy was a shortage of ammunition. 

SUMMARY 

Upon the news of the passing of the Boston Port Bill, Paul Revere 
was sent to Philadelphia and other places to ask the colonists to 
join with Massachusetts in resisting England. The Virginia assembly 
immediately called a meeting of the representatives of the colonies 
at Philadelphia to discuss what had best be done. Meetings of citi- 
zens everywhere passed resolutions of sympathy with Boston. The 
Congress met and framed a Declaration of Rights. They also called 
another meeting of Congress to be held in Philadelphia next year. 
The Pennsylvania assembly approved of the actions of Congress. 
Before the new Congress met, British soldiers fired upon a small 
band of American patriots at Lexington and later were driven back 
to Boston. A Committee of Safety was appointed by the Penn- 
sylvania assembly and bands of Associators were raised. 



RESISTANCE TO OPPRESSION 167 

QUESTIONS 

1. Why had Franklin been in England? Was he successful in 
his mission? 

2. What other famous ride was taken by Paul Revere? 

3. What were the three most important rights mentioned in 
the Declaration of Rights? 

4. Did the people of Pennsylvania wish to separate from Eng- 
land at this time? 

5. What three important things were done by the First Conti- 
nental Congress? 

6. Which of the Pennsylvania delegates to the First Conti- 
nental Congress were signers of the Declaration of Independence? 

7. Read the lives of Dickinson, Mifflin, and Wilson in an ency- 
clopedia and wTite out the important events in the life of each. 

8. Who were appointed the Pennsylvania delegates to Congress? 

9. Was the secretary of Congress a member of that body? 

10. Why did the British go to Lexington? 

11. Which articles of those recommended by the provincial 
convention are most useful in war? 

REFERENCES 

Fiske: The American Revolution, I. 120-126. 

Bancroft: United States. 

Longfellow: Paul Revere'' s Ride. 

Emerson: The Concord Hymn. 

Read: The Revolutionary Rising. 

Stedman and Hutchinson: Library of American Literature. 



CHAPTER XVIII 
FROM COLONY TO STATE 

Pennsylvania on independence. — A large part of the peo- 
ple of Pennsylvania were conservative and not in favor 
of war. Among these were the Quakers and their German 
friends. There were, however, even among the Quakers, 
those who would fight. A company of these had enlisted 
and were called the "Quaker Blues." Some of the leading 
men of the faith served in the army with honor and dis- 
tinction. Among these were General MifHin, who was on 
Washington's staff, and John Dickinson, after he had been 
deprived of his membership in Congress. The Scotch-Irish 
of the west were strongly for the war while their brothers 
in the east were more conservative. The men who kept up 
the spirit of armed resistance were Mifflin, Thomson, Reed, 
and Dickinson, although the last named did not favor an 
immediate declaration of independence. Franklin, too, 
was a strong influence on behalf of the patriotic cause. 

Tom Paine. — Thomas Paine was a young Irishman of 
literary genius whom Franklin had met in Europe and 
persuaded to go to America. He early espoused the cause 
of the colonists and used his pen in their behalf. A pam- 
phlet, called Common Sense and written by him, urged inde- 
pendence very strongly, and showed the absurdity of any 
sentiment about a separation with the ''mother" country 
by pointing out the cruelty of the "mother." 

i68 



FROM COLONY TO STATE 



169 



Provost Smith. — Provost William Smith was a brilliant 
preacher and scholar who was at the head of the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania, or rather of the Academy which 
later became the college and finally the university. He 
was a member of the 
proprietary party and a 
leader of the Church of 
England set. He was 
asked to preach two 
sermons during the 
early part of the Rev- 
olution. His first, ad- 
dressed to a battalion 
of the Associators, was 
so patriotic that he was 
asked to preach another 
when the Declaration of 
Independence was under 
discussion in Congress. 
All the notable persons 
of the city were pres- 
ent, including the members of Congress. This address 
disappointed the more radical because it held out the 
hope of a reconciliation with England. However, he was 
in favor of fighting for their rights until the English author- 
ities would yield. At that time this was a vain hope. 

For and against independence. — Massachusetts and 
Virginia were the leading colonies for independence. The 
former had ample reason as she had suffered most by the 
exactions of England. Samuel and John Adams were 
the leading representatives, while the men from Virginia 
were Patrick Henry, Jefferson, the Lees, and Washington. 




Provost William Smith. 



I70 FROM COLONY TO STATE 

Massachusetts by her influence carried the other New 
England colonies with her. New York and Pennsylvania 
were conservative and it was only by careful management 
that they were induced to favor independence at this 
time. 

Lee*s resolution. — On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee, 
of Virginia, offered a resolution looking to the independence 
of the colonies. Seven of the colonies were for the resolu- 
tion and six against it. Those for it were the four New 
England colonies, and Virginia, North Carolina, and 
Georgia. Those opposing, — Pennsylvania, New York, 
South Carolina, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware, — 
believed that the time was not yet ripe for separation. 
They argued that the colonies were not a unit and that 
they had not yet received recognition by foreign powers. 
Congress immediately started to remedy these objections 
by appointing a committee to draw up plans for nego- 
tiating treaties with foreign countries, and another to 
formulate articles of confederation. John Dickinson was 
on both committees and when finally this work was done, 
both of these important state papers were the result of 
his literary genius. 

Declaration of Independence. — Since independence had 
been determined upon, it was necessary, in order to have 
the proper effect, that the vote upon the final wording of 
the document should be unanimous. The members of 
the majority party in Congress immediately began to try 
to convert the minority to their way of thinking. Colony 
after colony fell into line. Even the Pennsylvania as- 
sembly changed their instructions in favor of independence. 
By the end of June every colony but New York had given 
its representatives authority to vote for the measure. 



FROM COLONY TO STATE 



171 



The Pennsylvania delegation were for delay; Franklin 
was the only member at first to favor independence. 
July first was the day for the decision. When the vote was 
taken all the colonies approved but four; Pennsylvania 
and South Carolina 
voting against it, 
Delaware dividing, 
and New York not 
voting. Before the 
result could be an- 
nounced somebody 
moved an adjourn- 
ment until the next 
day. This was car- 
ried. That night 
some hard work was 
done. Wilson and 
Morton were per- 
suaded to vote with 
Franklin, Willing 
and Humphreys re- 
mained firm, and 
Morris and Dickin- 
son absented them- 
selves. In this way 
the vote of Penn- 
sylvania was cast for the Declaration of Independence, 
as their representatives stood three to two for it. South 
CaroHna and Delaware were finally won over, but New 
York remained neutral. On the second of July, therefore, 
the Declaration was passed by an almost unanimous vote. 
A copy of the instrument was made and on July fourth 




Reading the Declaration of Independence. 



172 



FROM COLONY TO STATE 



had been signed by a majority of the delegates. The rest 
affixed their signatures at a later date. On the eighth of 
July this great paper was read by John Dixon to the 
people assembled in Independence Square. 

The Pennsylvania signers. — The men who signed for 
Pennsylvania did so in August. The assembly appointed 
others to take the place of those who were unwilhng, so 
the names are not, in all cases, those of the men who 
voted upon the measure. The Pennsylvania signers are: 
Benjamin Franklin, Robert Morris, James Wilson, Dr. 
Benjamin Rush, John Morton, George Clymer, George 
Ross, James Smith, and George Taylor. 




Raising the first liberty pole in Philadelphia, July 5, 1776. 

Congress recommends new state constitution. — In its 

early days. Congress passed resolutions calling upon each 
state to adopt a new constitution. It was felt that the old 
state governments having obtained their power from the 
English government were lukewarm on the subject of 



FROM COLONY TO STATE 



173 



independence. Some of the states refused to take this 
suggestion. Pennsylvania, however, immediately took 
steps to have a new constitution adopted. At a public 
meeting held in Philadelphia, May twentieth, it had been 
decided to call a convention of representatives of the 
various counties. This met on the fifteenth of July. 

The convention.^ — When the members of the convention 
met they chose Franklin as their president. From this 
time on, they assumed charge of the state affairs of Penn- 
sylvania. The old assembly made two unsuccessful at- 
tempts to hold meetings but they did not get a quorum. 
They therefore quietly passed out of existence. 

The new Pennsylvania constitution. — The convention 
was made up of men who were for the most part unknown. 
There was not a lawyer of any note among them. Franklin 
and Rittenhouse, the two most famous scientists in the 
state, were the natural leaders, but they had no experience 
in work of this kind. The convention went ahead, how- 
ever, and in September, 1776, the new constitution was 
finished. It was never submitted to a vote of the people 
but went into effect immediately. 

Provisions of the constitution. — The new Pennsylvania 
constitution provided for an executive power consisting 
of twelve men, one elected from each of the eleven counties 
of the state and one from the city of Philadelphia. This 
body was to have a president who was to be chosen by the 
legislature which was composed of but one body called 
the general assembly. There was also a council of censors 
who were to watch proceedings to see that nothing should 
be done contrary to the constitution. 

Passing of Quaker power. — With the passing of the 
old colonial government went also the Quaker power 



174 



FROM COLONY TO STATE 



and influence. There was still a conservative party 
who regretted the change but the Quakers never again 
were the ruling faction of Pennsylvania. Reed, Ritten- 
house, Franklin, Rush, and McKean were the leading 
advocates of the constitutional party; while Dickinson, 
Wilson, Robert Morris, Thomson, and Mifflin, who had 
all been so useful in pubHc affairs, were hostile to it. 

The proprietary government. — The proprietary govern- 
ment also became a thing of the past. Richard Penn was 

regarded as a friend of 
the colonists and com- 
missioned to present 
the addresses of Con- 
gress to the King and 
Parliament. He was 
unsuccessful in his mis- 
sion, however. John 
Penn seemed in favor 
of the patriots but when 
he was relieved of his 
power Congress sus- 
pected him of a lack of 
sympathy with the 
cause. Because it was 
thought that he might aid the British, he was arrested in 
1778 and sent away. 

The old assembly. — There was considerable that was 
good in the old assembly. They had fought consistently 
for the rights of the people and had succeeded in getting 
many privileges for them. They had raised money for the 
defense of the colony in its time of need and had brought 
it to the front rank in influence and wealth. Under them 




The Liberty Bell. 



FROM COLONY TO STATE 175 

Philadelphia had been made the model city of America 
and one of the best governed. As a final act of patriotism, 
they had instructed the representatives of the colony in 
Congress to vote for the Declaration of Independence. 

SUMMARY 

The people of Pennsylvania were naturally conservative and all 
did not immediately fall into the notion that the colonies ought to be 
independent. Some of the leading men, however, worked unceas- 
ingly to this end. A number of patriots thought that the end was 
sure to come, but considered the proposal premature. Finally, 
however, the Declaration of Independence was passed and signed. 
New state governments being recommended by Congress, the Penn- 
sylvania patriots took measures to follow the suggestion, A new 
constitution was finished in September, 1776, by a convention 
whose delegates were chosen by the people. With this passed the 
Quaker and proprietary power, which had been in effect for almost 
a hundred years and had accomplished much for the people. 

QUESTIONS 

1. Who were some of the Quakers to fight for their rights? 

2. What position was taken by Paine? by Provost Smith? 

3. What colonies favored independence? 

4. What was the position of the Pennsylvania delegates upon 
the Declaration of Independence? 

5. What were the abuses mentioned in the Declaration? 

6. Why was a new state constitution adopted? 

7. What were the defects in this constitution? 

8. What patriots were against the new state constitution? 
What ones were for it? 

9. What good things were done by the old assembly? 

REFERENCES 

Fiske: The American Revolution, I. 157-158; 180-182. 
The Critical Period, 63-71. 



CHAPTER XIX 
CAMPAIGNS AGAINST PHILADELPHIA 

War in the east. — When Washington assumed command 
of the colonists he found an unorganized and undiscipHned 
army besieging the British in the city of Boston. He 
caused guns to be mounted and fortifications to be built 
on Dorchester Heights which overlooked the city from the 
south. Finding his position hard to keep, the British gen- 
eral, Howe, evacuated Boston and sailed away to Halifax. 

Around New York. — Knowing that the British would 
again turn their attention southward, Washington, leaving 
some troops to hold Boston, went to New York and began 
to make plans for the protection of that city. Three 
regiments of the Pennsylvania line and three of the state 
militia were among those who met him there. Finally 
General Howe' and his brother, Admiral Lord Howe, ar- 
rived with a large army of British soldiers. Washington, 
after a brave resistance, was driven from the city and re- 
treated into New Jersey. Upon the fall of Fort Washington 
on the upper end of the island of Manhattan several thou- 
sand colonial soldiers were captured, among them a large 
number from Pennsylvania. 

First campaign against Philadelphia. — Howe had been 
ordered to lend aid to Burgoyne in the north. Neverthe- 
less thinking that if he could get possession of the capital 
of the new republic, he could end the war quickly, he sent 

176 



CAMPAIGNS AGAINST PHILADELPHIA 177 

Cornwallis in pursuit of Washington across New Jersey 
toward Philadelphia, which was not only the capital, 
but the largest and wealthiest city of the colonies. Wash- 
ington retreated rapidly beyond the Delaware where a 
number of Pennsylvania regiments offered their services. 
These he put to guarding the fords against the approach 
of the British. 

Trenton. — Howe's soldiers were strung out in various 
places toward the western part of New Jersey. One 
regiment of 1500 Hessians ^ under Colonel Rahl had reached 
Trenton and gone into camp there. On Christmas eve, 
Washington with his little army crossed the Delaware 
above the town, on boats and rafts which were pushed 
through floating ice. On the New Jersey side his men 
formed in two columns and proceeded silently in the 
darkness toward Trenton. Blinding snow was falling about 
them and two of his men froze to death. The Hessians 
had been celebrating the coming of Christmas and were 
deep in sleep when the advance of the American army 
struck them. The engagement resulted in the capture 
or destruction of the entire force; a thousand prisoners 
and a number of cannons were taken. Besides the two 
frozen to death the Americans lost two killed and several 
wounded. 

Princeton. — Cornwallis hearing of the battle hurried to 
the scene. Washington did not dare to take his men across 
the river in the face of the enemy so he stayed behind his 
intrenchments at Trenton with the river at his back and 
the British before him. On the night of January 2, 1777, 
leaving a few men to tend the camp fires, he stole away 
in the darkness to the rear of the British and attacked a 

1 These were Germans hired by George III to fight the American patriots. 



178 CAMPAIGNS AGAINST PHILADELPHIA 

detachment of them in camp at Princeton. The noise 
of the firing was the first news that Lord CornwalHs had 
that the enemy had escaped. One regiment Washington 
drove back to Trenton, another he drove toward New 
Brunswick, and a third he captured in the college 
buildings. The Ameri- 
cans then journeyed to- 
ward Morristown, New 
Jersey. 

Result. — The result 
of these brilHant vic- 
tories was immediate. 
The dispirited patriots 
were revived and they 
were urged to renewed 
efforts. European na- 
tions began to be in- 
terested and Lafayette, 
a young French noble- 
man, and others, offered 
their services to the „ ^ ,, 

Robert Morns. 

colonies. 

Robert Morris. — At this time the army had become al- 
most destitute; many of the soldiers were without shoes 
or suitable clothing. When the people of Philadelphia 
learned that the British had been warded off from their 
city, they were easily persuaded by Robert Morris and 
other patriots to send supplies to their defenders. Morris 
even pledged his own private fortune in raising money with 
which to pay the army and to furnish them with necessities. 
His patriotism was very poorly repaid, when at a later date 
he was persecuted and thrown into prison for debt. 




CAMPAIGNS AGAINST PHILADELPHIA 



70 



Betsy Ross.— About the end of May, 1777, a committee 
consisting of Washington, Robert Morris, and Colonel 
Ross, were appointed by Congress to wait upon Betsy 
Ross, who kept a 
shop on Arch Street, 
Philadelphia, for the 
purpose of getting 
her to make a flag 
for the new republic. 
In June, 1778, the 
design for the flag 
was adopted by 
Congress in the fol- 
1 owing resolution: 
''The flag of the thir- 
teen United States 
shall be thirteen 
stripes, alternate red 
and white, the Union 
to be thirteen stars, 
white on a blue field, 
representing a new 
constellation, the 
stars to be arranged 
in a circle." 

John Barry. — In 
Independence 
Square in Philadel- 
phia is a statue to Captain John Barry. He was a man of 
Irish birth who settled in Philadelphia before the Revolution 
and became rich in mercantile pursuits. When the war 
broke out he was given command of the ship Lexington. 




The Betsy Ross house. 



i8o CAMPAIGNS AGAINST PHILADELPHIA 

In 1777, becoming tired of inaction, he allowed his vessel 
to float down the Delaware where he met and captured 
an EngHsh war vessel. In 1778 he was given command 
of the Raleigh. Barry also took part in the brief war with 
France. He is regarded as one of our great naval heroes. 

Washington at Morristown. — For some months Wash- 
ington and his army remained at Morristown where in 
various ways they annoyed the British. Howe did not 
wish to leave a pleasant and comfortable place like New 
York to go to Philadelphia especially when he knew that 
he would leave so skillful a general as Washington between 
himself and his base of supphes; so he remained in New 
York and enjoyed himself, but he did not give up all 
thought of taking Philadelphia. 

Second expedition against Philadelphia. — In August, 
1777, Howe began his second expedition against Phila- 
delphia, — this time by sea. He started out as if he would 
go to the north, but men were stationed all along the New 
Jersey coast to watch his progress, and as he passed, signal 
fires and lanterns flashed the news of his movements. 
Washington immediately started across New Jersey to 
the defense of the capital. It was a ragged but determined 
lot of men that marched through the streets of Phila- 
delphia at this time. 

Landing of the British. — Howe had intended to ap- 
proach Philadelphia by way of Delaware Bay, but he found 
it so shallow and the mouth of the river so well protected 
that he determined to go up to the head of Chesapeake 
Bay instead. On August 25, 1777, he landed at Elkton, 
Maryland, about fifty miles from Philadelphia. This was 
really a greater distance from Philadelphia than New 
Brunswick where he had previously been in New Jersey, 



CAMPAIGNS AGAINST PHILADELPHIA 



i8l 



but he did not care to make the other journey with Wash- 
ington always at his heels. 




Along the Brandywine. 



Battle of Brandywine. — Howe took up his march toward 
the ''Rebel Capital" as he called Philadelphia, when, on the 
morning of September eleventh, he suddenly found Wash- 
ington and his army drawn up before him on the opposite 
bank of a stream in southeastern Pennsylvania, called the 
Brandywine. The place, where the road on which they 
had been traveling crossed the stream, is called Chads 
Ford. A part of the British under Knyphausen met the 
advance of Washington's army under ]\Iaxwell and drove 
them back. A vigorous cannonading was carried on in 
front by the British to conceal the movement of a division 



I82 



CAMPAIGNS AGAINST PHILADELPHIA 



under Cornwallis which had been sent by a long detour 
toward the north to take an unprotected ford. This was 
assisted by fog and was expected to surprise Washington, 
but he had already detailed a division of his forces under 
Sullivan to intercept this flanking movement. Sullivan, 

however, was 
driven back and 
Washington was 
forced to with- 
draw his whole 
army from its 
position and to 
retreat slowly to- 
ward Chester and 
from there to 
Philadelphia. 

Among the 
wounded in this 
battle was La- 
fayette. He was 
taken with a hundred others to Bethlehem where he 
was tenderly cared for by the Moravians. Four or five 
hundred also of the wounded were taken to Ephrata and 
cared for by the peaceful people living there. 

The situation in Philadelphia. — Immediately everything 
was in a turmoil in Philadelphia. The bridges over the 
Schuylkill were removed and detachments of soldiers 
were placed to guard all fords so that the British could 
not get on the peninsula on which all the city is situated. 
People hid their silver and other valuables. Church bells 
were removed to places of safety, the Liberty Bell being 
taken to Allentown and the chimes of Christ Church to 




CAMPAIGNS AGAINST PHILADELPHIA 183 

Bethlehem. The colonial records and state papers were 
taken to Easton, and Congress fled first to Lancaster 
and then to York. The assembly took up its work in 
Lancaster. 

Paoli massacre. — While the body of Washington's army 
was east of the Schuylkill, there were a few bands to the 
rear of the British west of the river. About 1500 under 
Anthony Wayne were near Paoli. These were taken by 
surprise by the British under Knyphausen and about three 
hundred of them put to death by the bayonet. On account 
of the needlessness of the slaughter this is usually spoken 
of as a massacre. This occurred on the night of the 
twentieth of September, 1777. 

The British cross the Schuylkill. — Washington did not 
like to give up without a struggle so he led his army toward 
the British near Paoli. The armies met at Warren Tavern, 
but as the powder of both became wet there was little fight- 
ing. Howe then tried to slip by him and gain one of the 
fords but the Americans arrived there first and put up so 
brave a front that the English did not make an attempt 
to cross. Finally, however, Howe by a feint outwitted 
Washington and crossed at Swedes Ford. It was then 
an easy thing for the British to march toward the city. 
On September twenty-fifth, Howe occupied Germantown 
and the next day Philadelphia. 

SUMMARY 

The Revolutionary War began in Massachusetts. After the 
British were forced from their positions there, they went to Halifax 
and thence to New York. Washington having been driven out of 
that city, Howe determined to take Philadelphia and by one stroke 
end the war. He started across New Jersey, but met with reverses 
at the hands of Washington at Trenton and Princeton and returned 



1 84 CAMPAIGNS AGAINST PHILADELPHIA 

to New York. A second trial was made by sea. Washington having 
discovered this plan, preceded him to Philadelphia. Finding the de- 
fenses on the Delaware too strong, Howe went to the head of Chesa- 
peake Bay and disembarked his army. Thence he marched toward 
Philadelphia. He was met, however, by Washington's army at 
Chads Ford on the Brandywine. After a hard fight the Americans 
retreated slowly. Not long afterward the British obtained possession 
of the city. Before this a small body of patriots under Anthony 
Wayne were surprised at Paoli and massacred. Robert Morris and 
John Barry, two wealthy Philadelphia citizens, were of great as- 
sistance to the cause of the patriots: the former by obtaining money 
and provisions for the army, the latter by acts of daring as a naval 
officer. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. Name two or three important engagements occurring before 
the battle of Trenton. 

2. Why did Howe wish to obtain Philadelphia? 

3. What is Princeton famous for besides the battle? 

4. Did the patriot army have a pleasant time at Morristown? 

5. Were there any Germans in the British army? Who were 
they? 

6. Explain what is meant by a flanking movement. 

7. How old was Lafayette when he first came to America? 
How old was Washington at the time? 

8. Why were the people so disturbed when they thought that 
the British would enter Philadelphia? 

9. Was there anything wrong in the conduct of the British in 
killing the Americans at Paoli? 

10. Draw a map of Philadelphia and vicinity showing the loca- 
tion of the events mentioned in this chapter. 

REFERENCES 

Bancroft: United States. 

Fiske: The American Revolution, I. 299-308; 314-324. 

Read: The Wagoner of the Alleghenies, 



CHAPTER XX 

THE BRITISH HOLD PHILADELPHIA 

The battle of Germantown. — After the British had taken 
possession of Philadelphia Washington's army went into 
camp at Whitemarsh some distance north of the city. 



.0 




The battle of Germantown 




At the time when Philadelphia was first threatened, the 
patriots had started to build fortifications for its protec- 
tion. These the British now began to complete, leaving, 
however, a body of men at Germantown until the work 
could be finished. Washington determined to attack these 

i8^ 



i86 



THE BRITISH HOLD PHILADELPHIA 



soldiers while they were separated from the main army. 
On the night preceding October fourth he started for Gcr- 
mantown with his army in three divisions. One under 
Armstrong was to attack the British at the mouth of the 
Wissahickon; the second under SuUivan and Wayne was 
to attack those in the heart of the town; and the third 
under Greene was to attack the right wing. Others were 

to attract the atten- 
tion of the enemy 
nearer the city and 
prevent their sending 
reenforcements. The 
battle was very well 
planned and would 
have been successful 
except for several un- 
avoidable incidents. 
Armstrong was un- 
able to dislodge the 
left. The other two 
divisions, however, 
drove the enemy be- 
fore them, but in the fog one mistook the other for 
British reenforcements and both were thrown into con- 
fusion. In addition to these misfortunes the reserves 
which had followed the middle line were held in check 
by a small body of the enemy which had taken possession 
of the Chew mansion. Not wishing to pass by while these 
were in their rear, they wasted valuable time which could 
have been used to advantage otherwise. 

Billingsport. — Although the city was captured, the 
British were not in a comfortable position. The forts 




Benjamin Chew, whose house was attacked 
in the battle of Germantown. 



THE BRITISH HOLD PHILADELPHIA 187 

and obstructions along the Delaware River and Bay made 
their stay impossible unless something were done; for 
Washington's forces kept out supplies from the land, and 
the fortifications, from the sea. One of these forts was at 
Billingsport, held by two hundred and fifty men under 
Colonel William Bradford. This was attacked on October 
I, 1777, and taken after a fierce engagement. There re- 
mained, then, Fort Mercer and Fort Mifflin. 

Fort Mercer. — Fort Mercer, situated at Red Bank in 
New Jersey, was in the command of Colonel Christopher 
Greene with about four hundred Rhode Island miUtiamen. 
It was much too large to be defended by so few, but Colonel 
Greene had been told that the fate of the nation depended 
upon him, so he determined to sell himself as dearly as 
possible. On October twenty-second Count Donop with 
twenty-five hundred Hessians crossed over to the New 
Jersey shore to attack the Httle band. The Americans 
had decided after a show of resistance in the outer forti- 
fications to retire to the inner. When the Hessians came 
out of the wood, they were met by a warm fire which soon 
ceased. When they leaped upon the ramparts they found 
everything deserted. Shouting back that the enemy had 
fled they advanced upon the inner fort, where they were 
met by a deadly fire. The order was given to charge. This 
they did but when they reached their goal they found a 
soKd wall too high to be scaled without ladders. The 
Americans now shot them down mercilessly. Finally the 
Hessians turned and fled cursing the British for sending 
them into such a place without proper equipment. Run- 
ning to the beach they found themselves met by another 
fire from the boats which the colonists had sent to the 
aid of the fort. They then sought the shelter of the 



1 88 THE BRITISH HOLD PHILADELPHIA 

woods. Among those mortally wounded was Count 
Donop. 

Assistance from the navy. — At the time the Hessians 
made this attack, the British fleet attempted to break 
through the obstructions in the river to go to their assist- 
ance. The Augusta, the Roebuck, and a few smaller vessels 
succeeded. Three of them were soon aground, however. 
Next day they were attacked by the American galleys and 
fire ships assisted by the guns of Fort Mifflin. The Au- 
gusta was set on fire. While the sailors were boarding 
the boats the flames reached the magazine and the vessel 
was blown up. Soon after this the Merlin was set on 
fire and abandoned. The rest of the vessels returned to 
the bay. 

Fort Mifflin. — Fort Mifflin was situated on Mud Island 
which was on the Pennsylvania side, a short distance 
below Philadelphia. At present it is a part of the main- 
land but at that time there was a broad channel between 
it and the shore. Colonel Samuel Smith was in command 
of the fort with three hundred men and twenty guns. As 
it was so near Philadelphia it was more easy of approach 
than the other forts. It had been built with its strongest 
defenses toward the river as it was meant to drive away 
vessels which might have warlike plans against the city. 

A British battery planted on Providence Island near by 
began to fire upon the garrison on November tenth. 
At midnight the firing ceased but the. next day the siege 
began again. Colonel Smith was wounded and Colonel 
Russell took his place. He in turn retired and left Major 
Simeon Thayer in command. The siege lasted six days. 
Finally the Vigilant, which had taken active part in the 
operations, was anchored in the rear where the fort was 



THE BRITISH HOLD PHILADFXPHIA 



189 



weakest. The enemy were now in a position to shoot down 
the men as they worked at their guns. The fortifications 
were demoHshed about the heads of Thayer and his men, 
but he would not surrender. When night came, with what 
ammunition they 
could get together, 
the garrison and 
their wounded 
crossed over to Red 
Bank in boats. Out 
of the three hundred 
men who had so gal- 
lantly defended the 
fort there were only 
fifty left. 

Fall of Fort Mer- 
cer. — Two days af- 
ter the fall of Fort 
Mif!lin, Cornwallis 
with two thousand 
men crossed over to 
attack Fort Mercer. 

Colonel Varnum, who now commanded the fort, thought 
that resistance was useless and abandoned the place. This 
left the river open to the British. 

Valley Forge. — Now came the darkest hour of the 
Revolution. Discouraged by the defeat at Germantown, 
which was so nearly a victory, Washington withdrew his 
ragged army to the hillside camp at Valley Forge. There 
they suffered every deprivation, having Httle to eat and 
to wear, and nothing but rude huts for shelter. Their in- 
trenchments can still be seen, in many places almost leveled 




Washington's headquarters at Valley Forge. 



IQO THE BRITISH HOLD PHILADELPHIA 

to the ground by the action of time. The state has turned 
the place into a park and has marked the various spots of 
interest. At the entrance to the park is the old house 
which Washington used as his headquarters. It still has 
in it many rehcs associated with the great patriot, elo- 
quent reminders of the hardships which he and his men 
were compelled to undergo. The winter which was spent 
at Valley Forge was one of unusual severity, and the cold 
wind blew through the cracks in the walls of the log houses 
which the soldiers constructed. There was plenty of wood 
for fires but httle food for the inner man and no clothing 
or shoes. 

Added to his other troubles there were plots against 
Washington. A number of his ofhcers planned to have him 
removed from command and the position given to Gates, 
who had just captured Burgoyne and his army. A man by 
the name of Conway was at the head of the conspiracy, 
but many better men were also drawn into it. However, 
the great soul of Washington never failed him and he 
worked on with his men, sharing their deprivations and 
setting a worthy example of patience and trust in God. 

Steuben. — ^Baron Steuben, one of the foreign noblemen 
who had offered their services to the cause of the patriots, 
remained with Washington during the winter and was of 
great assistance in drilling and organizing the raw troops 
into a disciplined army. 

The battle of the kegs. — An amusing incident happened 
in connection with the British occupation of Philadelphia. 
A number of kegs were so constructed that anything 
hitting against them would cause them to explode. On 
January 5, 1778, these were set adrift in the Delaware 
by the patriots in the hope that they would injure the 



THE BRITISH HOLD PHILADELPHIA 191 

British shipping in the harbor. When the sailors saw these 
queer casks floating down the river they began to shoot 
at them. Whole broadsides were directed at any box, 
barrel, or log which might be floating by. The British 
sailors seemed to be in a state of panic. The whole thing 
was largely of the imagination and caused a great deal 
of mirth in patriotic circles. Francis Hopkinson wrote a 
ballad on the subject which became very popular in the 
colonies. 

France recognizes America. — Up to that time the 
French had secretly given encouragement to the patriots. 
On February 6, 1778, however, they openly espoused the 
cause of the colonists and entered upon a treaty to lend 
them aid with ships and men. These concessions were 
obtained largely through the instrumentality of Benjamin 
Franklin. Americans should always remember that it 
was through this that they were able to win independence. 

The Crooked Billet. — As spring approached, the patriots 
grew more active. The British, too, sent out foraging ex- 
peditions. On May i, 1778, a party under Colonel Aber- 
crombie, among whom were Simcoe's Rangers, who were 
largely Tories, took by surprise a detachment under Gen- 
eral John Lacey at the Crooked Billet Tavern.^ The colo- 
nials were bayoneted and their bodies burned in a pile of 
hay. Twenty-six were killed, eight or ten wounded, and 
fifty-eight missing. The brutahty of the affair was blamed 
upon the Tories and many innocent ones among them 
suffered in consequence. 

Walnut Street prison. — The prisoners who were captured 
by the British were crowded together in prisons in the 
city. One which was especially loathsome was located 

^Now Hatborough, Montgomery County. 



192 



THE BRITISH HOLD PHILADELPHIA 




on Walnut Street. This was in charge of a creature by 
the name of Cunningham who seemed to try his best to 
make it unpleasant for his charges. The prisoners were 
half fed and without lire. They huddled together on cold 
nights to keep warm. 
The jailer is said to 
have kicked over the 
plates of food which 
were given the pris- 
oners to see them 
scramble for it on the 
dirty floor. The poor 
unfortunates died by 
scores and were bur- 
ied in Washington 
Square. 

Reception of the 
British.^Philadelphia at the time the British occupied it 
was the most attractive city in America. Many of the 
people had wealth and lived in luxury. The homes in the 
city and in the neighboring country were beautiful in 
architecture and the people were fond of social life. Many 
of these were Tories who welcomed the coming of the 
British. The fashion of the capital gladly received the 
gay young officers of the EngUsh army. Among the most 
briUiant of these was Major Andre, a young man of Swiss 
descent, who afterwards became involved in the plot with 
Benedict Arnold which cost the Englishman his life. 

The Mischianza. — Of all the gay events in the capital, 
the gayest was the Mischianza,^ a fete given on May 
18, 1778, in honor of General Howe at the time of his 

^ mes kyan'tza 



Walnut Street prison. 



THE BRITISH HOLD PHILADELPHIA 



193 



departure for England. A part of the festivities was a 
regatta in which gaily decorated boats plied up and down 
the river. This was followed by a tournament and a 
ball. Everything, even to the minor details, had been 
planned by Major Andre. 

Unbidden guests. — The daring American ofhcer, Mc- 
Lane, determined to have some part in the festivities; so 
with a number of his men he crept up to the wooden ram- 
parts, which protected the northern part of the city, and 
covered them with pitch and oil. When all was ready, 
torches were applied and the whole was soon a mass 
of flames. The British soldiers were thrown into 
great excitement and began to blaze away in the dark- 
ness with their cannons. The Americans, however, got 
off without trouble. The ladies at the ball thought 
that this was a part of the festivities and were not 
much alarmed. 




JL ?* 



^■ 



j^^-y^ 



Of all the gay events, the gayest was the Mischianza." 



194 



THE BRITISH HOLD PHILADELPHIA 



Evacuation of Philadelphia. — Clinton was now in com- 
mand of the British forces in America. Seeing that nothing 
could be gained by remaining in Philadelphia while Wash- 
ington controlled all the country in the vicinity, he deter- 
mined to evacuate the city. But this was not the easiest 
thing in the world to do. Finally, on June i8, 1778, he 
succeeded in getting his army across the Delaware to 
Gloucester in New Jersey. As he was among the last to 
leave the city, some of McLane's troopers rushed forward 
hoping to catch him, but he had just departed. Washing- 
ton immediately started in pursuit and succeeded in en- 
gaging him in battle at Monmouth, — a victory for the 
Americans. 




Molly Pitcher in the battle at Monmouth. 



It was in the battle of Monmouth that Molly Pitcher 
came into prominence. She was the wife of one of the 
gunners connected with the Pennsylvania troops. When 



THE BRITISH HOLD PHILADELPHIA 



195 



her husband was killed, she took his place at the gun and 
carried on his work until the end of the battle. She was 
a native of Carlisle and is buried in the cemetery there. 

The condition of the city.— Philadelphia was put in the 
care of General Benedict Arnold. The British had al- 
most ruined the beautiful city during their occupancy. 
The shade trees which had lined the streets had been cut 
down and the streets themselves were in filthy condition. 
Formerly the city had been famous for its cleanliness. 
Arnold was not a good man to take charge. He appropri- 
ated funds to his own use and in various ways mismanaged 
pubHc affairs. He was a man of slender means, yet he 
tried to live like the wealthy; he succeeded in winning the 
love of the beautiful Peggy Shippen and was married to 
her. He finally grew deeply in debt and attempted to 
get out of his difficulties by betraying his country for 
money. 

SUMMARY 

Before the British had time to become settled in Philadelphia, 
Washington attacked a division of their army which had been left 
at Germantown. The battle showed great generalship upon the 
part of Washington, but was unsuccessful on account of several un- 
foreseen circumstances. Although they had defeated the Americans 
in this battle, there remained to the British the task of opening up 
the Delaware so that their army could receive supphes. They be- 
sieged Billingsport and Forts INIercer and JMifflin and were able to 
take them only after some of the fiercest engagements of the war, 
in which the navies of both countries lent assistance to the armies. 
Washington retired for the winter to Valley Forge, leaving a por- 
tion of his command under Wayne in Lancaster County to cut off 
supplies for the British from that quarter. The English spent the 
winter in Philadelphia and were given a pleasant time by the wealtli\' 
Tories of that city. During this time the French nation through the 



ig6 THE BRITISH HOLD PHILADELPHIA 

persuasion of Franklin recognized the new republic and promised 
her assistance. General Howe was finally succeeded in command 
by General Clinton. Soon afterwards, Clinton evacuated the 
city and started across New Jersey. He was overtaken by Wash- 
ington and defeated in the battle of Monmouth. The Americans 
now took possession of Philadelphia and put it in the care of Ben- 
edict Arnold who took advantage of his position to enrich himself 
at the expense of the people. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. Read other descriptions of the battle of Germantown in his- 
tories of the United States. 

2. Might it have been unfortunate for the Americans to have won 
the battle of Germantown? 

3. Was the battle at all creditable to the Americans? 

4. Draw a map which will show the location of the places men- 
tioned in the chapter. 

5. What foreigners mentioned lent assistance to the cause of 
the patriots? 

6. Of what advantage to the Americans was the recognition by 
France? 

7. Name two traitors to their country who took part in the 
Revolutionary War. 

8. Read about the treatment of prisoners during the Civil War 
and make comparisons with the treatment of prisoners during the 
Revolution. 

9. Write in one column all the British officers you can, and in 
another the American officers. 

REFERENCES 

Bancroft: United States. 

Fiske: The American Revolution, II. 23-32; 51-56; 206-243. 

Hale: Franklin in France. 

Hopkinson: Battle of the Kegs. 

Read: Wagoner of the Alleghenies. 

Stedman and Hutchinson: Library of American Literature. 



CHAPTER XXI 



INDIAN TROUBLES AND SOME GREAT MEN 



The Six Nations.— The Six Nations had been kept 
friendly tcf the EngHsh during the Indian wars through 
the influence of Sir WiUiam Johnson and Conrad Weiser. 
When the Revolution came on, they 
were under the leadership of Col- 
onel John Butler and Joseph Brant, 
a half-breed with some education 
and a great deal of ability. The 
English by a lavish use of money 
obtained them as alHes during the 
expedition of Burgoyne. After the 
surrender of that unfortunate gen- 
eral, they still remained a menace 
to the settlers of central New 
York. One of the first places upon 
which they wreaked their ven- 
geance was Cherry Valley in New 
York, but that did not satisfy them. 

Wyoming massacre. — The Wy- 
oming Valley was always at hand ready to be taken. All 
they had to do was to get into their canoes at the head- 
waters of the Susquehanna and in a few days they would 
be upon the settlers in this unhappy region. Early in the 
summer of 1778 they started for their prey. The able- 

107 




Joseph Brant. 



198 INDIAN TROUBLES AND SOME GREAT MEN 

bodied of the settlers were in the army with Washington. 
Only the aged and the youthful remained to protect the 
women. About three hundred of them collected at Forty 
Fort under Colonel Zebulon Butler. Opposed to these were 
four or five hundred Tories under Colonel John Butler, and 
seven hundred Indians. On the third of July, the little 
band of pioneers determined to resist the attack of the 
enemy. Butler advised against it but was overruled. It 
was three to one but the brave settlers went forth fear- 
lessly. A fight of this kind could have but one result. 
The devoted band were surrounded and mercilessly put to 
death, or captured and tortured. All the houses, barns, 
and cattle were destroyed. The women and children took 
to the wilderness and for the most part either died of 
starvation or were killed by the savages. A few old men 
and women escaped to the more populous parts of the 
country. 

The result. — When accounts of the massacres of Wyoming 
and Cherry Valley reached Europe, the sympathies of the 
whole civilized world were aroused. The friends of the 
colonies in England found their hands strengthened and 
redoubled their efforts in behalf of America. 

Sullivan expedition. — Washington determined to punish 
the Six Nations, so he directed General John Sullivan to 
take charge of an expedition against them. Early in the sum- 
mer of 1779 Sullivan started from Easton to Wilkes-Barre. 
There an army of over three thousand men assembled and 
on July thirty-first they started up the Susquehanna 
for the land of the Indians. Brant tried in many ways 
to divert him from his purpose, massacring the inhabitants 
of the Minisink and Lackawaxen to get him to turn aside. 
But he could not be turned from his purpose; nor would he 



INDIAN TROUBLES AND SOME GREAT MEN 199 

send out other expeditions which might weaken his main 
force. He was finally met near Newtown ^ by a band of 
two thousand Indians and Tories under the Johnsons, 
Butler, and Brant. SuUivan's army was entirely success- 
ful. 

Indian settlements. — From there Sullivan pushed into 
the country of the Indians. In the Genesee Valley he 
found lands under cultivation for miles. Corn, beans, 
peaches, and apples were growing in abundance. All of 
the fields and orchards were laid waste. He found over 
forty Indian towns, which they also destroyed. To-day 
nothing is left of this once great race but the few Indians 
who sell trinkets at Saratoga and Niagara Falls. 

Other Indian expeditions. — Shortly after the Wyoming 
massacre, Colonel Hartley from Muncy went up the 
Susquehanna and destroyed the Indian towns of Wyalusing, 
Sheshequin, and Tioga. Later a body of Tories and In- 
dians made an expedition against the settlements along 
the West Branch. Fort Muncy and the fort at Warriors 
Run were deserted, and the women and children sent by 
boats to Fort Augusta. Fort Freeland was besieged and 
was compelled to capitulate. The men and boys were 
made prisoners and the women and children allowed to 
return home unharmed. Captain Hawkins Boon started 
to the rescue but was ambushed and he and most of his 
men died fighting heroically. 

In the western part of the state, Westmoreland County 
was overrun by scalping parties. General Mcintosh was 
sent against these. He built a fort at the mouth of Beaver 
River and organized an expedition against the Indian 
towns in Ohio. Colonel Broadhead destroyed a number 

^Near Elmini, N. V. 



200 INDIAN TROUBLES AND SOME GREAT MEN 

of Indian towns on the Allegheny and cut to pieces a scalp- 
ing party bound for the settlements in Westmoreland 
County. All these parties of Indians were led by the 
English and were in their pay. To the credit of the pa- 
triots it may be said they never attempted to gain the 
savages as their military allies, although they frequently 
tried to purchase peace from them. 

The Great Runaway. — When the Indians began to scour 
the woods of the West Branch in 1778, thousands of white 
settlers left their homes in a mad rush for safety. The 
Susquehanna River, the main avenue of escape, was cov- 
ered with boats and rafts filled with the fugitives and their 
possessions. Every town along the lower river where there 
was a fort was crowded by hundreds of these unfortunates. 
This exodus is known as the Great Runaway. 

The war ends.— The Indian raids marked the last 
bloodshed during the Revolution in Pennsylvania. When 
finally Cornwallis had been hemmed in at Yorktown, 
Washington's ragged army again passed through Phila- 
delphia to the scene of this important operation. When 
on October 19, 1781, the British finally surrendered, the 
war was virtually ended and Pennsylvania knew the red- 
coats no more. On November 30, 1782, a provisional 
treaty of peace was signed at Paris, and England acknowl- 
edged the existence of the new nation. The final treaty 
was signed a year later. 

Great Pennsylvania patriots. — Among the Pennsyl- 
vanians who were most prominent in the fight for inde- 
pendence were Franklin and Dickinson in Congress; 
Robert Morris, as the financier of the Revolution; and 
Wayne and St. Clair in the army. The former because 
of his dash and courage became known as ''Mad" Anthony 



INDIAN TROUBLES AND SOME GREAT MEN 20i 




General Anthony Wayne. 



Wayne. He served brilliantly 

throughout the war in all parts 

of the country. His most fa- 
mous exploit was the capture of 

Stony Point on July i6, 1779. 

For this Congress voted him a 

medal. Other well-known army 

officers from Pennsylvania were 

Generals Joseph Reed and 

Thomas Mifflin. The former is 

said to have answered an Eng- 

Hshman who w^as sent to bribe 

him, '^I am not worth purchasing, but such as I am the 

king of Great Britain is not rich enough to buy me." 
Benjamin Rush. — Dr. Benjamin Rush was a signer of 

the Declaration of Independence and deeply interested 

in the cause of the colonies. In addition he was one of 

the greatest of America's 
early physicians. After 
graduating from Prince- 
ton and obtaining an edu- 
cation in medicine abroad, 
he became a professor in 
the Philadelphia Medical 
College, which in 1769 
was made a part of the 
University of Pennsyl- 
vania. He rendered valu- 
able services during an 
epidemic of yellow fever 
and on account of this 
Benjamin Rush. was givcu testimonials by 




202 INDIAN TROUBLES AND SOME GREAT MEN 

several European sovereigns. He was the founder of 
Dickinson College, an officer of the Philadelphia Bible 
Society, the American Philosophical Society, the Phila- 
delphia Medical Society, and the Society for the Abolition 
of Slavery. His son, Richard Rush, was also a distinguished 
man, being minister to England and to France. 

SUMMARY 

The English had spent much time and money in keeping the 
friendship of the New York Indians belonging to the Six Nations. 
At the time of the Revolution they made use of them against the 
colonies. All Pennsylvania was overrun by these murderous savages 
and many outrages resulted, the most famous of which was the 
Wyoming Massacre. General John Sullivan was sent with an army 
to punish them. This he did by utterly destroying their villages. 
The Revolutionary War ended with the capture of Cornwallis and his 
army at Yorktown. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. What were the names of the Six Nations? 

2. Read over the earlier troubles in the Wyoming Valley. Did 
they have anything to do with the Massacre? 

3. Was the Sullivan expedition justified? 

4. In what connection has Sullivan been mentioned before? 

5. Give some incidents connected with the Indian outrages 
which occurred in your neighborhood. 

6. Why were the British soldiers called " redcoats "? 

7. How long did the Revolutionary War last? 

8. What learned and philanthropic societies were in existence 
in Philadelphia in early times? 

9. Name three of Pennsylvania's early scientists; two writers. 
10. What new men are mentioned in this chapter? 

REFERENCES 

Fiske: The Critical Period. 
Roosevelt: Winning of the West. 
Campbell: Gertrude of Wyoming. 



CHAPTER XXII 
PENNSYLVANIA UNDER THE CONFEDERATION 

The Constitutionalists. — At the time of the Declaration 
of Independence a new constitution was adopted for the 
state of Pennsylvania. Those in favor of it were the Con- 
stitutionalists and those opposed, the Anti-Constitution- 
aUsts or Republicans. During its operation these two 
parties existed and lines were drawn upon all questions. 
The Constitutionalists were the party of the Revolution 
and did not believe in halfway measures. They were 
opposed to the old aristocracy and everything connected 
with it. Even the moderate patriots encountered their 
hostility and some were driven from the state. The Tories 
were persecuted and two at least met death at their hands. 

One of the things advocated by this party was the 
regulation of prices for commodities and even so well- 
known a patriot as Robert Morris was condemned for 
selHng the cargo of one of his vessels at a profit. 

Bank of North America. — Two of the objects of attack 
by the Constitutionahsts were the Bank of North America 
and the College. The bank had been established by 
Robert Morris under charters given by Congress and by the 
assembly, and had been very useful in improving the 
credit of the state and nation. When the Constitutionalists 
came into power, however, they annulled the charter which 
had been given by the state and for a while the bank went 

203 



204 PENNSYLVANIA UNDER THE CONFEDERATION 



along under that granted by Congress. At that time 
there was some doubt about the legaHty of this, so they 
obtained a charter from Delaware, and have continued 
in operation until to-day. 

The College. — As Provost WilHam Smith of the College 
of Philadelphia had been lukewarm on the subject of 

independence, he was classed with 
the Tories. A number of the 
trustees of the College were also 
not of the Constitutionalist party. 
This brought the institution under 
the displeasure of that party who 
determined to crush it. They took 
away its charter and organized 
another institution to be called the 
University of the State of Penn- 
sylvania with a new board of 
trustees. The old board tried to 
continue the old institution, but 
neither institution flourished. The 
provost was forced to go into exile 
in Maryland. 

Return of Dickinson. — Upon the 
fall of Yorktown things began to 
look more encouraging to the Re- 
publicans. Dickinson, who had practically been driven out 
of state politics, was elected to the council from the county 
of Philadelphia by a large majority. Various pamphlets 
and articles appeared against him, but he did not take the 
trouble to answer them until after his vindication. As 
the Republicans had been successful throughout the state, 
Dickinson was elected president of the council and prac- 




Bank of North America. 



PENNSYLVANIA UNDER THE CONFEDERATION 205 

tically governor of the state by a vote of 41 to 31. Provost 
Smith returned and in time was given possession of his 
college but it had been permanently injured in the mean- 
time. 

The Penn interests.— In 1779 the unsurveyed lands of 
the Penn heirs were confiscated by the state. The represen- 
tatives of the Penns were Tories and the seizure was nat- 
ural under the circumstances. The assembly, however, 
voted them £130,000 and allowed them to keep what re- 
mained of their surveyed manors. Some of these were 
still in their hands at a recent date. The English govern- 
ment also paid them £4000 a year until the debt was 
canceled by the payment of a lump sum. 

Slavery abolished.^The early Friends were not opposed 
to slavery and William Penn himself owned slaves. Grad- 
ually, however, the feeling grew among them that the 
practice was not right. In 1778 when George Bryan was 
acting president of the council, he proposed that slavery 
should be abolished. This was not acted upon favorably 
at the time. He was succeeded, however, by General 
Joseph Reed and became a member of the council. Here 
then was his opportunity. He proposed a bill to free the 
slaves gradually and it was adopted on March i, 1780, 
by a vote of 34 to 21. This made Pennsylvania the first 
state to take such action although Massachusetts soon after 
followed her example by enacting a more effective law. 

The Lancaster mutiny.— In June, 1783, about three 
hundred Continentals who had endured the privations of 
the Revolution, were left in Lancaster. They had not 
received any pay for some time. Thinking to better their 
condition they marched to Philadelphia and presented 
their demands to the assembly in person. Those being 



2o6 PENNSYLVANIA UNDER THE CONFEDERATION 

promptly refused, they went to the State House and 
marched around the building while Congress was in session. 
That body demanded that the mihtia be ordered out for 
protection. Through Dickinson and Arthur St. Clair, the 
mutineers were finally induced to return to Lancaster. 
Congress, however, had been seriously affronted and could 
not be pacified. It left the city and took up its work and 
its abode in Princeton. Although many overtures were 
made it never could be induced to return to Philadelphia. 




Old Log College, established in 1726 on the Neshaminy. 



Dickinson College. — The services of Dickinson were 
again recognized by his election as president of the state 
in 1782. Feeling their need of a higher institution of 
learning the Presbyterians determined to establish a 
college. Dickinson, although of Quaker leaning, was very 



PENNSYLVANIA UNDER THE CONFEDERATION 207 

much interested in the project and used his influence in 
its behalf. He also made the college a gift of money. 
Dr. Benjamin Rush, a close personal friend of the presi- 
dent of the council, was one of the founders and suggested 
that the institution be called Dickinson College after his 
friend. It claims to be an offspring of the Log College of 
Dr. Tennent. It was located among the Scotch-Irish 
of the Cumberland Valley and began its work in 1783. 
In 1833 it came under the influence of the Methodist 
Church. 

Franklin returns. — In 1785 Franklin returned to Phila- 
delphia. He, with John Adams and John Jay, had repre- 
sented America in the negotiations for the treaty of peace 
with England. Immediately after his return he was made 
president of council and in this office he continued until 
1788. He was now an old man and most of the duties of 
his office were carried on by his vice president. His state, 
however, felt honored in having so distinguished a man 
as its head. He was succeeded by Thomas Miffiin, who 
remained in the position until the office passed out of 
existence in 1790. 

Faults of the Articles of Confederation. — The Articles 
of Confederation had been hastily framed during the 
early days of the war. Experience presently showed that 
they had many defects. As long as the war continued 
the states were willing to overlook some things for the 
common good; but when the war was over, each one worked 
for its own selfish ends. When Congress levied a tax, 
the states did as they pleased about paying it, with the 
result that in many cases it was not paid or paid only in 
part. The credit of the new republic was therefore seri- 
ously impaired. Each state passed tariff laws wliich op- 



2o8 PENNSYLVANIA UNDER THE CONFEDERATION 

erated against the others and there were many serious 
disputes among the states without any way of adjusting 
them. In fact, it was evident that this kind of government 
could not long endure and the European nations were await- 
ing the time when the union should dissolve and they 




The national Constitutional convention in session. 

could step in on one pretext or another and get possession 
of the various individual states. 

Constitutional convention. — It finally came to be seen 
that a new constitution must be made which would avoid 
the faults of the old. Accordingly, on May 25, 1787, a 
convention of fifty-five delegates assembled in the State 



PENNSYLVANIA UNDER THE CONFEDERATION 209 

House in Philadelphia to consider the questions involved. 
This body of men had in its number the greatest and ablest 
of the citizens of the states. Washington was unanimously 
chosen its president. Madison and Hamilton were two 
of its leading spirits. The chief representatives from 
Pennsylvania were Frankhn, James Wilson, Robert Morris, 
Gouverneur Morris and George Clymer. Dickinson rep- 
resented Delaware. The meetings of the convention 
were held behind closed doors, and, until the death of 
Madison, little was known of what took place. He, how- 
ever, left complete accounts of the proceedings. 

Pennsylvania's part. — FrankKn was at this time, easily, 
the greatest man in Pennsylvania, but he was old and 
did not play the part which would naturally be expected 
of him. He usually wrote out anything that he might 
have to say upon the various questions under discussion 
and had one of his colleagues read it. Sometimes when it 
was not too long he would read the manuscript himself 
while he remained seated. Wilson proved to be a man 
of greater power and influence, and through him, many 
important provisions were added to the Constitution. He 
was in the front rank of poHtical thinkers of his day and 
became an associate justice of the United States Supreme 
Court and served until his death. With great ability, 
Dickinson took the part of the smaller states. Among 
the measures which he proposed was that of allowing each 
state to have two members in the Senate. 

Adoption of the Constitution by the state.— Immediately 
upon the passage of the Constitution by the convention, 
Franklin, who was at the time president of the council, 
took steps to have it adopted by the state. Because it 
differed so radically from the constitution of the state, 



2IO PENNSYLVANIA UNDER THE CONFEDERATION 

it was thought to be a reflection upon it and immediately 
met with opposition from the Constitutional party who 
now became known as the Anti-Federalists. The Anti- 
Constitutionalists now became the Federalists. George 
Clymer presented resolutions that a convention be held 
in November to act upon the subject. The vote upon this 
question was known to be favorable. In order to prevent 
a quorum, however, nineteen members absented themselves. 
Learning this. Federalists caught two of these and bringing 
them bodily to the assembly, held them there until a vote 
could be taken. In this way the resolution calling a con- 
vention was passed. 

A spirited campaign resulted in which Washington, 
Franklin, and all others connected with the national con- 
vention were called all manner of unpleasant things, but 
the Federalists won and the Constitution was adopted. 
Pennsylvania was the second state to act favorably, 
Delaware, under the influence of Dickinson, having rati- 
fied five days before. By July 4, 1788, ten states had 
adopted the Constitution and a great celebration was 
held in its honor in Philadelphia. As but nine states were 
needed it immediately went into effect. 

A new state constitution. — After the adoption of the 
Federal Constitution, people in Pennsylvania began talk- 
ing about making a new constitution for the state which 
would be more like that of the nation. Accordingly, a 
convention met in Philadelphia for the purpose. The 
result of the deliberations of this body was a constitution 
which did not differ in any material way from the greater 
paper. The chief executive of the state was to be a gov- 
ernor to be chosen for three years. There were to be a 
senate and a house of representatives. The judges were 



PENNSYLVANIA UNDER THE CONFEDERATION 2ii 




Lutheran Church where Franklin's funeral services were held. 



to be chosen by the governor. This constitution was 
never put to a vote of the people but in 1790 was allowed 
to become a law. 

Death of Franklin. — In 1790, Benjamin Franklin, who 
had played such an important part in the history of the 
state and nation, died at the age of eighty-five. Probably 
no one of his time had more influence on the thoughts and 
habits of his people than he. Many of the institutions 
which he was instrumental in founding are still in existence, 
monuments to his foresight and high ideals. His grave, 
marked only by a simple stone, is beside that of his wife 
in the Arch Street cemetery in Philadelphia. It was for- 
merly neglected and overgrown with briars. In recent 
years, however, it has been kept in order. 



212 PENNSYLVANIA UNDER THE CONFEDER.\TION 

SUMMARY 

At the time of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, 
a new constitution was adopted for the state. Two political parties 
were formed on this issue, the Constitutionalist and the Republican. 
The former gained control of affairs at first and attacked the Bank 
of North America and the College which were largely in the hands 
of the opposite party. Finally, there was a reaction and Republicans 
were returned to power. In 1778, a law looking to the abolition 
of slavery was enacted. In 1783, some Revolutionary soldiers sta- 
tioned at Lancaster mutinied because they had received no pay for 
some time. They were quieted through the influence of Dickinson 
and St. Clair. As the Articles of Confederation proved to have 
many defects a new Federal Constitution was adopted. Following 
this the state of Pennsylvania passed under the constitution of 1790. 

QUESTIONS 

1. Which political party favored the new Constitution? 

2. To what party did Franklin belong? Dickinson? 

3. Name five important things done by Franklin during his life. 

4. Did the act of 1778 entirely abolish slavery in Pennsylvania? 

5. Why were the Penns deprived of their land? 

6. Did the Lancaster mutiny occur before or after the fall of 
Yorktown? 

7. Of what value was the Bank of North America? 

8. Name the earliest colleges of Pennsylvania. 

9. Who were the Pennsylvania representatives in the Federal 
Constitutional convention? 

10. What places have been the capital of the United States? 

REFERENCES 

Jenkins: Pennsylvania, Colonial and Federal. 

Egle : History of Pennsylvania. 

Sharpless: Two Centuries of Pennsylvania History. 



CHAPTER XXIII 



THE FIRST DECADE OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT 





Philadelphia the capital. — Philadelphia was the capital 
of the new state and federal governments. Although 
Washington was inaugurated in New York he soon moved 
to Philadelphia and took up his residence in the house of 
Robert Morris. 
This had been the 
home of William 
Penn, of Sir 
William Howe 
during the Brit- 
ish occupation, 
and of Arnold 
when the Amer- 
icans again had 
possession of the 
city. The Senate met in an upper room in the State 
House and was presided over by John Adams, the Vice 
President. Frederick A. Muhlenberg, of Pennsylvania, 
was the Speaker of the House. The Supreme Court also 
met in Philadelphia. John Jay of New York was the 
Chief Justice and James Wilson, of Pennsylvania, one of 
the ablest of the other justices. 

Policy of the new government. — It became the duty of 
the officials to organize the new government and to outline 

213 



Robert Morris's house. 



214 FIRST DECADE OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT 

its policy. Alexander Hamilton, the Secretary of the 
Treasury, believed in a strong central government, while 
Jefferson, the Secretary of State, believed in as little gov- 
ernment as is consistent with good government. Two 
parties, the Federalist and the Democratic, therefore 
sprang into existence. Washington favored the ideas of 
Hamilton. One of the first things to be done was to take 
care of the debts which had been incurred during the 
Revolutionary War. To raise the revenue for this purpose, 
certain tariffs were laid on imports from foreign countries 
and taxes were placed upon such things as wines, whiskies, 
and beer. 

The national bank. — In order the better to carry on 
the financial affairs of the nation, Hamilton advocated 
the establishment of a national bank. This institution 
was therefore organized. It had a capital of $10,000,000, 
of which one fifth was furnished by the government. The 
Democrats were opposed to this, thinking that it would 
be of advantage to the wealthy, but not to the people at 
large. The first national mint, where the money of the gov- 
ernment was coined, was also established in Philadelphia. 

The capital moved to Washington. — Although Philadel- 
phia built a residence for the President and in every way 
made the members of Congress welcome, it was decided 
to move the capital to the banks of the Potomac. This 
was the result of a compromise. Hamilton's party advo- 
cated the assumption by the national government of the 
state debts which had been incurred during the war. 
The north generally approved this measure while the 
south opposed it. Hamilton promised that if his bill was 
passed his followers would support the project of moving 
the capital farther to the south. The compromise was 



FIRST DECADE OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT 



215 



then adopted and as soon as the new city could be made 
ready, the capital was moved to Washington. This was 
in 1800. 




Senate chamber, where Washington was inaugurated in i793- 



Those opposed to the assumption of the debts of the 
states took this position largely for the reason that they 
knew the various notes had been sold at a great loss to 
speculators. They felt therefore that the patriotic people 
who had given their wealth to the support of the cause 
would not be the ones to benefit by the bill. 

Threatened war. — An occurrence which greatly excited 
the people of Philadelphia during Washington's admin- 
istration was a threatened war with England. The French 



2l6 



FIRST DECADE OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT 



people had established a republic and were at war with 
that country, and many Americans remembering the 
service France had rendered to our patriotic cause during 
the Revolution, besought Washington to lend aid to our 
former friend. Washington, however, would not allow the 

infant republic to be 
drawn into any foreign 
compHcations and is- 
sued a proclamation of 
neutrality. 

Citizen Genet. — 
Shortly after this a 
self - sufhcient young 
man from France by 
the name of Genet ^ 
came to this country 
and tried to interest 
the people in the war 
in which our sister re- 
public was engaged. 
He succeeded in arous- 
ing a great deal of 
enthusiasm. Privateers were fitted out, recruits were 
raised, and societies of ''Sons of Liberty" were organized 
throughout the country. He had an interview with 
Washington and demanded that we declare war against 
England. Not receiving any encouragement, he decided 
that he would appeal to the people. Washington then 
demanded and obtained his recall. 

French affairs. — France was in the control of a direc- 
torate of live men. These refused to receive the United 




Joseph Hopkinson. 



^ zhe ne' 



FIRST DECADE OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT 217 

States minister whom Washington had sent to that gov- 
ernment. This was an affront to our country. Wishing 
to keep peace with the French, Adams, who had become 
President, sent three commissioners to Paris. These were 
met by three members of the Directorate who demanded a 
large sum of money before they would treat with this 
country. In the papers presented to Congress on the 
subject they were called ''X, Y and Z." When the people 
heard of this second insult they were aroused. The com- 
mon cry was ''Millions for defense, but not one cent for 
tribute." Joseph Hopkinson, of Philadelphia, was in- 
spired to write Hail Columbia!, which was then sung for 
the first time. A naval war occurred with France in which 
eighty-four armed vessels were taken by the American navy. 
The state government. — After the drawing up of the 
new state constitution, the citizens of Pennsylvania im- 
mediately undertook to elect the officers required by the 
new government. The Democrats, at once, nominated 
General Arthur St. Clair for governor, and the Federalists 
named General Thomas MilFiin. St. Clair had been a 
warm personal friend of Washington, always loyal to the 
cause of the patriots, and had served throughout the 
Revolutionary War with distinction but without any 
great brilliancy. He lived among the Scotch-Irish in 
the western part of the state and had their support. 
Mifflin was a pleasant, good-looking man who easily 
made friends. He was better known in the more thickly 
settled parts of the state than his opponent. The new 
constitution was popular and the party which advocated it 
was largely in the majority. Under these circumstances 
Mifflin won. He conducted himself in such a manner 
while in office that he twice succeeded himself. His op- 



21 



FIRST DECADE OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT 



ponent in these later contests was Frederick Augustus 
Conrad Muhlenberg. 

Mifflin's policy. — One of the first things taken up by 
Mifflin was the subject of internal improvements. The 
policies of Hamilton were beginning to improve business 
conditions and prosperity was to be found everywhere. 
People were on the lookout for ways to invest their money. 
Among the first public works attempted was the Phila- 
delphia and Lancaster Turnpike. At first this was built 
in an unskillful way, but finally an Englishman who had 
seen the roads built by Macadam in the old world was em- 
ployed to oversee the work. After this the Lancaster 
road was the best in the country, the pride of all Penn- 
sylvanians. Mifflin also began to investigate the subject 
of canals. A method of connecting the Schuylkill and 
Susquehanna was sought, as was also some connection 
between the Susquehanna and Lake Ontario. Little was 
done, however, except to improve the waterways already 
in existence. This was the beginning of a system which 
at one time burdened the state with debt. 




<ni* 




M.% ■! 



An early view of 



FIRST DECADE OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT 



219 



The Frankstown roads. -During early times people 
traveled by vehicles of various kinds, on horseback or 
foot, and on rafts and boats. At first all journeys were 
either by canoes or on foot. Travelers on land usually 
followed Indian trails. Later, journeys were taken on 
horseback and where possible in wagons or carriages. 
Even in the earliest times, the settlers took advantage of 
water courses wherever possible. In 1787 commissioners 
were appointed to survey a road to connect the headwaters 
of the Conemaugh with the Frankstown branch of the 
Juniata. A road was also to be surveyed along the former 
stream to a point where it was navigable at all seasons. 
In 1788 the opening of these roads was contracted for to 
a point within seventy miles of Pittsburgh. In 1790 this 
road was finished. It was subsequently continued to 
Pittsburgh where it is now known as Frankstown Avenue. 
Another Frankstown Road, authorized in 1792, ran south 
of the former to Johnstown. On it was transported the 
iron which was made in the Juniata Valley for the people 
of Pittsburgh and the vicinity. 






<o 



w 




the city of Philadelphia. 



220 



FIRST DECADE OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT 




Early coal mine at Wilkes-Barre. 



Anthracite. — In 1787 anthracite coal is said to have been 
discovered and used in the Wyoming Valley. In 1790 it 
was found in the hills near Mauch Chunk and soon after- 
wards began to be mined and transported to Philadelphia 

and elsewhere for 
fuel. At first its value 
was not realized and 
it was frequently used 
to pave the streets. 

Education. — In 
connection with edu- 
cation, Dickinson 
College has already 
been mentioned. In 
the western part of 
the state an academy at Canonsburg became Jefferson 
College and one at Washington, Washington College. 
These two had prosperous careers until the Civil War, 
after which they were united as Washington and Jefferson 
College at Washington. The College of Philadelphia be- 
came the University of Pennsylvania in 1791. Franklin 
College at Lancaster was chartered by the Germans in 
1787. The Friends established a famous school at West- 
town in Chester County during the same period. 

Stephen Girard. — In 1793 Philadelphia was visited by 
one of the greatest scourges in our history, — the yellow 
fever. Between four and five thousand people died in a 
very short time. Every physician in the city brave enough 
to face the danger was kept busy. Among these was Dr. 
Benjamin Rush, who has already been mentioned. The 
doctor worked untiringly for the afflicted. Another man 
who came into prominence during the scourge was Stephen 



FIRST DECADE OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT 221 



The Girard Bank. 

Girard. He had at an earlier date recovered from an 
attack of the disease and was therefore immune. Having 
nothing to fear, he offered himself freely as a nurse. Girard 
was one of the shrewdest business men in America in early 
days. His ships sailed all over the world and carried the 
commerce of many nations. In 181 1 he purchased the 
United States Bank Building and started in it the Girard 
Bank. With this he greatly assisted his extensive business 
and when the United States government was in financial 
trouble he was enabled to be of much service. He left his 
wealth to found institutions in New Orleans and Phila- 
delphia. Girard College is his greatest and most useful 
monument. 

The state capital moved. — There had been a feeling for 
many years that Philadelphia was not the best place for 



222 FIRST DECADE OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT 

the capital of the state. In early days long journeys 
were not easily made and it did not seem to be right to 
force people in the extreme western part of the state to go 
to Philadelphia whenever any business demanded their 
attention at the capital. Then, too, there was a feeling 
that the metropolis exerted too great an influence upon 
legislation. Members of the legislature were thought to 
be in danger of being overawed by the city mobs. As 
early as 1787 the assembly had resolved that Philadelphia 
was an unfortunate place for the capital, and in 1795 
the house voted to take the capital to Carlisle. In this, 
however, the senate did not concur. In 1798 Wrights- 
town in York County was selected in the same way. 
In 1799 both houses agreed to go to Lancaster and 
Governor Mififlin approved the bill, so Lancaster became 
the capital. 

Effect on Philadelphia.— The loss of prestige to Phila- 
delphia was greater than might be supposed. When it 
ceased to be either the federal or the state capital, it ceased 
to be the center of affairs of importance. The glamour 
which surrounded the distinguished officials who had made 
the city their home departed with them. Philadelphia 
now became a city of ordinary affairs and not until years 
after did she again attain a foremost position. 

Death of Mifflin.— Under the new state constitution a 
governor could not be elected for more than three terms. 
Governor Mifflin accordingly was not a candidate in 1799. 
He was elected to the legislature, however, and while 
serving as a member died at Lancaster in 1800. Thomas 
McKean, who had served as chief justice of Pennsylvania 
since its beginning, was elected governor as the successor 
of Mifflin and served for three terms. 



FIRST DECADE OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT 



SUMMARY 



223 



Philadelphia was at first the capital of the state and the nation. 
In 1799, however, the state capital moved to Lancaster, and in 
1800 the national capital moved to Washington. Hamilton, the 
Secretary of the Treasury in Washington's cabinet, favored a strong 
central government. He had the national government assume the 
debts of the states which were incurred during the Revolutionary 
War. He established a national bank and created revenue by a 
tax and a tariff. During the early days of the nation we were threat- 
ened by a war with England. Washington, however, was able to 
keep peace. A short naval war occurred with France during the 
administration of President Adams. 

Mifflin was the first governor of Pennsylvania under the constitu- 
tion. His administration started to plan internal improvements. 
Many works were carried on by various corporations. Among these 
were the Lancaster Turnpike in the east and the Frankstown Road 
in the west. An epidemic of yellow fever occurred in Philadelphia 
in which Dr. Benjamin Rush and Stephen Girard did much to re- 
lieve the sufferers. Mifflin died in 1800. 

QUESTIONS 

1. Why was the national capital moved to Washington? 

2. What banks are mentioned in this chapter? 

3. Why could Genet get a following? 

4. Were there any reasons why Mifflin should not have been 
chosen governor? 

5. Of what advantage were the Frankstown Roads? 

6. What was the method of Macadam in building roads? 

7. Why was the state capital moved from Philadelphia? 

8. Write a biography of Dr. Rush. 

9. What is anthracite? 

REFERENCES 

Fiske: The Critical Period. 
Brown: Arthur Mcrvyn. 
Taylor: The Story of Kennett. 



CHAPTER XXIV 
TRIALS OF THE NEW NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 

Introduction. — The Ohio Valley was separated by almost 
impassable mountains from the markets of the east, and 
by more than a thousand miles from the Gulf of Mexico. 
Accordingly it was a very difhcult thing for the people of 
western Pennsylvania to get the products of their farms 
to either place. Their lands bore abundant crops of corn, 
wheat, and rye, but the cost of transporting these grains 
was prohibitive on account of their bulk. It became neces- 
sary then to make from them something of value upon which 
the freight would not be excessive. Whisky was such an 
article, easily made from grain, and many farmers were 
in the habit of distiUing it. 

Early excises.^ — Even before the Constitution was 
adopted, whisky and stills were looked upon as proper 
objects for the levying of taxes. In 1744 and again 
in 1772, such taxes were imposed to raise money for the 
defense of the colony but they in turn were removed. 
During the Revolution distillation was unpopular because 
the grain was needed for the army. This made it possible 
to collect the tax and at the same time provided a just 
reason for levying it. Later the act was repealed. In 
1780 an excise tax was levied which, however, was never 
collected. 

^ An excise tax is a tax levied upon articles of domestic manufacture. 

224 



TRIALS OF THE NEW NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 225 

The new tax. — In 1791, at the suggestion of Alexander 
Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, a law was passed 
by Congress levying a tax of four cents a gallon on distilled 









~^^- 




^.- 



>l 







Site of Redstone Old Fort, 



liquors. Smiley of Fayette County and Findley of West- 
moreland County opposed the passage of the law. Albert 
Gallatin, of Fayette, also took a stand against it, although 
with more moderation. It was felt that the law was un- 
just because it put the burden largely upon western Penn- 
sylvania, while the east went free. On account of the 
unpopularity of the act, it was hard to find anybody to 
act as inspector in the western districts. 

Redstone Old Fort. — In July a meeting in opposition 
to the measure was held at Redstone Old Fort, now Browns- 
ville, where it was determined to call meetings at the 
county seats of the affected districts to consider the matter. 
In September, delegates at Pittsburgh passed resolutions 
against the law. 

General Neville. — General Neville was appointed an in- 
spector for western Pennsylvania. It was thought that 



2 26 TRIALS OF THE NEW NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 

his popularity would make the work less difficult. In July, 
1794, Neville accompanied Major Lenox, a marshal, to 
serve a writ on a distiller by the name of Miller; some of 
the neighbors followed the officers and a gun was dis- 
charged. There happened to be a military meeting at 
Mingo Creek, about seven miles from the inspector's 
house. When a report that the marshal and the inspector 
had been attacked reached there, about thirty men headed 
by Holcroft went to the home of Neville and demanded 
his commission and papers. 

The attack upon the Neville house. — When the demands 
were refused, they fired upon the house. The attacking 
party claimed that the first gun was fired from within. 
Finally, there was a volley from the negro quarters which 
stood apart from the house and one of the insurgents was 
mortally wounded. Immediately a call was sent out for 
men to assemble at the Mingo Creek meetinghouse prepared 
to avenge the outrage. Major Macfarlane, an officer of 
the Revolution, was appointed to lead the men. Neville 
meanwhile had left the house in the charge of Major 
Kirkpatrick with ten or eleven United States soldiers. 
Macfarlane and his men approached and demanded 
Neville. Kirkpatrick informed them that Neville had left 
and that he would defend the house. After the women 
had withdrawn, the attack began. 

Death of Macfarlane. — The firing ceased for a while. 
Macfarlane thinking that a parley was desired, stepped 
from behind the tree which protected him. That instant 
a shot was fired and he was killed. This angered the as- 
sailants and a torch was applied to the barn. From this 
the fire spread to the other buildings and to the house 
itself. Seeing that he could accomplish nothing, Kirk- 



TRIALS OF THE NEW NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 227 

Patrick surrendered and was permitted to retire un- 
harmed. 

The Mingo meetinghouse. — Immediately messengers 
went forth to urge men to assemble at the Mingo meeting- 
house to determine what should be done. Among the 
leading men of that part of the state who attended were 
David Bradford, the district attorney of Washington 
County, and Colonel John Marshall. Those taking a 
leading part in the meeting were Parkinson, Cook, and 
Judge Brackenridge, — the last for the purpose of gaining 
the confidence of the malcontents. A meeting of dele- 
gates from the various counties was called to be held at 
Parkinson's Ferry in October. Some time afterward the 
mail was intercepted at Greensburg and letters were re- 
moved which gave the names of the leading law-breakers. 
The authors of these were forced to leave Pittsburgh or 
to keep in hiding. 

On Braddock's field. — Meanwhile Bradford, without 
authority, sent a circular letter to the colonels of the 
various regiments in western Pennsylvania ordering them 
to bring their commands to Braddock's field on the first of 
August. There a large and turbulent crowd collected, 
for the most part under arms. It is probable that many 
of them were not hostile to the government but they were 
afraid not to be present. Bradford was made general 
and it was decided to march into Pittsburgh to show the 
strength of the movement. Judge Brackenridge, who was 
secretly in favor of law and order, succeeded in turning 
their minds from lawlessness and, with the help of some 
of the Pittsburgh people in the assemblage, in directing 
their fine of march across the Monongahela and away 
from the city. 




2 2^ TRIALS OF THE NEW NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 

Washington acts. — This was the first act of rebellion 
which the new government was called upon to face and 
on this account has been given more importance in the his- 
tory of our nation than it deserves. But Hamilton, Wash- 
ington's chief adviser in this affair, did not propose that 

the government should fail for 
want of a show of power. Ac- 
cordingly troops were raised to 
the number of 12,950. Of these 
Pennsylvania furnished 5200 
and New Jersey, Maryland, and 
Virginia the rest. Governor 
. , , .. ^ „, Henry Lee, of Virginia, was put 

A fort built by Wayne. , -^ ' & J r 

in command, and the governors 
of each of the other states taking part, commanded the 
troops from their respective commonwealths. General Daniel 
Morgan commanding those from Virginia. The President 
himself accompanied the army as far as Bedford, stopping 
at Harrisburg, Carlisle, and Chambersburg on the way. 

Commissioners appointed. — Meanwhile on the sixth of 
August, Governor Mifflin appointed Chief Justice McKean 
and General William Irvine to find out the facts. On the 
eighth Washington appointed James Ross, Jasper Yeates, 
and William Bradford to confer with such bodies of men as 
they thought best in order to quiet the insurrection. At 
a meeting, held at Parkinson's Ferry, of about 260 delegates 
with Colonel Cook, president, and Albert Gallatin, sec- 
retary, resolutions were drawn up and a committee of 
twelve appointed to confer with the United States com- 
missioners. These two commissions, the state and the 
federal, and the committee met at Pittsburgh and came 
to an understanding. 



TRIALS OF THE NEW NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 229 

The meeting at Redstone Old Fort. — In October the 
committee of twelve made their report to a committee 
of sixty at Redstone Old Fort. In this they stated the 
demands of the commissioners and recommended their 
acceptance. Gallatin and Brackenridge made speeches 
advocating the return to law and order, and the carrying 
out of the demands of the government. Bradford, however, 
made a very intemperate harangue in opposition. When 
the vote was taken it was found that the committee stood 
thirty-four to twenty-three in favor of the government. 
Bradford was disgusted and left the meeting. The action 
of the committee was reported to Washington and he was 
told that it would not be necessary to send the army. 
The report of his commissioners, however, was so unfavor- 
able that he thought best to carry out his original purpose. 
No further outbreaks occurred. 

Punishment. — A small body of men were left in Pitts- 
burgh under General Morgan, and Judge Peters remained 
to make investigations and punish offenders. A number 
of men were brought before him and sent by him to Phila- 
delphia. A few of these were tried, found guilty, and 
finally pardoned. Bradford fled down the Ohio. Brack- 
enridge had no difficulty in explaining his conduct as he 
had previously taken his friend the Honorable James Ross 
into his confidence in connection with every act of his 
in the recent uprising. By the testimony of Ross he was 
easily proved loyal. Albert Gallatin was censured for the 
part he had taken, but no man stood higher in the esti- 
mation of Washington and the Pennsylvania authorities. 

Results. — Under the new order a change came over 
the habits of the people of the disturbed region. The small 
stills began to disappear because the owners could not 



230 TRIALS OF THE NEW NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 



afford to pay the tax. Gradually great distilleries came 
into existence. Even to-day in the region around Pitts- 
burgh there are costly buildings of companies whose be- 
ginnings date back almost to the time of the Whisky In- 
surrection. But better than this, the national government 
showed that it was not "a rope of sand." Never after- 
wards was there any 
widespread effort to re- 
sist the excise laws. 

Albert Gallatin.— Al- 
bert Gallatin, who came 
into prominence during 
the Whisky Insurrection, 
was a Swiss who had 
settled in Fayette Coun- 
ty and opened a store 
there. He was a mem- 
ber of the state consti- 
tutional convention and 
later a member of the 
legislature where he at- 
tained prominence on 
account of his insight 
into financial matters. He was elected to the United 
States Senate but denied membership because he had not 
been a citizen of the country long enough. He served 
three terms in the House where his abilities made him a 
leader. In 1801 Jefferson made him Secretary of the 
Treasury. He later performed one of the most important 
public services as a commissioner in connection with the 
Treaty of Ghent. He served as United States Minister 
to France and later to England. In 1824 he was nomi- 




Albert Gallatin. 



TRIALS OF THE NEW NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 231 

nated for the vice presidency but withdrew in favor of 
Clay. After finishing his diplomatic career, he settled in 
New York as the president of a national bank in that city. 
He then found time to study and write upon scientific and 
financial subjects. He died in 1849. He is justly entitled 
to rank as one of America's greatest financiers. 

Troubles with the Indians.— In 1790, Indian depredations 
becoming common on the frontier, General Josiah Harmar 
was ordered to march against the towns on the Miami. ^ 
He was defeated and his army destroyed. General Arthur 
St. Clair, of Westmoreland County, a soldier of the Revo- 
lution, was made governor-general of the Northwest 
Territory. In 1791 he also made an expedition against 
the savages with about 1500 regulars and 600 mihtia, 
accompanied by artillery. He took the usual precautions 
to prevent ambush but without success. He fell into a trap 
laid by the savages and met with the most disastrous 
defeat in the history of wars with the Indians. 

Presque Isle. — In 1794 the legislature passed an act 
for raising soldiers for defense against the Indians. They 
also took steps toward laying out a town at Presque Isle. 
The Indians who had been stirred up by the British 
objected to the latter plan and began to make hostile dem- 
onstrations against the commissioners sent to carry it 
out. Governor Miffiin appHed to the President for one 
thousand troops to protect them. These were placed in 
the command of General Wilkins. Several conferences 
were held with the Indians and a permanent treaty of 
peace was made. In 1795 the commissioners were per- 
mitted to lay out the towns of Le Boeuf (Waterford), 
Presque Isle (Erie), and Venango (Franklin). 



232 



TRIALS OF THE NEW NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 



Wayne's expedition. — It was decided that the Indians 
of Ohio should be punished. Their success against Harmar 
and St. Clair had made them insolent. Major 
General Anthony Wayne therefore was com- 
missioned to do the work. At the time of ^^ 
the Whisky RebeUion he was busy col- 
lecting and training his army at 
Legionville, near the site of Logs- 
town, not far from where the Beaver 
flows into the Ohio. Most of his 
soldiers were western Pennsylvania 
men. In August, 1794, he met the 
enemy at Fallen Timbers and de- 
feated them so badly that they were 
glad to make a lasting treaty of 
peace with him. 

Fries's Rebellion. — In 1799 the 
new government had another test 
of its strength. A tax upon prop- , 
erty had been levied which was 
misunderstood by many of the 
citizens of eastern Pennsylvania. 
The amount of the tax was regulated 

in part by the number of windows in the houses. When 
the assessors came to count these some of the house- 
wives poured hot water upon them. From this it is some- 
times called the ''Hot-water Rebellion." A traveling 
auctioneer by the name of John Fries became a leader in 
the disturbance. He had been a soldier in the Whisky 
Rebellion and in the present difificulty felt called upon to 
organize the people against the new law. When a United 
States marshal had arrested some thirty persons for re- 




The " Hot-water Rebellion.' 



TRIALS OF THE NEW NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 233 

sisting the law, Fries gathered together a body of men, 
marched to Bethlehem where the prisoners were kept and 
effected their release. Finally the mihtia was called out 
by President Adams and the disturbance quelled. 

SUMMARY 

The new government had to undergo various tests of strength. A 
number of these occurred in Pennsylvania. The first was in con- 
nection with collecting the tax on whisky. Washington sent an army 
of more than twelve thousand soldiers to Pittsburgh and the people 
became submissive. Albert Gallatin came into prominence in con- 
nection with this trouble. He afterwards became one of the ablest 
of American financiers. There were numerous troubles with the 
Indians. Expeditions under Harmar and St. Clair met with disaster. 
General Wayne, however, defeated them at Fallen Timbers and ob- 
tained a lasting peace. 

QUESTIONS 

1. Why was it necessary to levy a tax? Why was whisky taxed? 

2. Was any blood shed in the Whisky Rebellion? 

3. What was the nature of the disorders? 

4. What position did Washington take? 

5. Who were the men prominent in the W^hisky Rebellion? 

6. What were the permanent results? 

7. When was Erie founded? 

8. In what battles of the Revolution did Wayne and St. Clair 
take part? 

9. Describe the Fries Rebellion. 



REFERENCES 



Fiske: The Critical Period. 
Lodge : Life of Washington. 
IMcCook: The Latimer s. 



CHAPTER XXV 

POPULATION AND TRANSPORTATION IN EARLY 

DAYS 

Population. — The population of Pennsylvania at the 
time of the first census in 1790 was 434,000. In 1800 it 
had increased to 602,000. At that time the population 
of the whole state was about equal to that of the city of 
Pittsburgh at present. 

The counties.^ — In 1682 when Penn took charge of his 
colony, he created three counties, Chester, Bucks, and 
Philadelphia. To these eight were added up to the time 
of the Revolution: Lancaster, York, Cumberland, Berks, 
Northampton, Bedford, Northumberland, and Westmore- 
land. Washington was formed in 1781 and before the 
end of the year 1799 thirteen others. These in order of 
their organization were as follows: Fayette, Franklin, 
Montgomery, Dauphin, Luzerne, Huntingdon, Allegheny, 
Delaware, Mifflin, Somerset, Lycoming, Greene, and 
Wayne. In the year 1800 ten were formed, and from 
that year to the present thirty-two, the last being Lacka- 
wanna, in 1878. This makes a total of sixty-seven. 

At the beginning of the nineteenth century Northampton 
covered the northeastern part of the state, Lycoming and 
Luzerne the northern, Westmoreland the western, Bedford 
the central and southern, and Cumberland and North- 
umberland east of the center. 

234 



POPULATION AND TRANSPORTATION 



235 



Centers of population.^Besides Philadelphia (1682) and 
Pittsburgh (1765) there were a number of towns in the 
state at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Chester 









An early view of Bristol. 

(1646), Germantown (1689) and Bethlehem (1740) have 
already been described. Lancaster (1730) and York (1741) 
are interesting as early capitals of the United States. 
The former was also the capital of the state. Easton 
(1738) was the scene of a number of treaties with the 
Indians. In early days it had a number of thriving in- 
dustries, such as the making of hats and clocks. In it 
was a gun factory, still standing, which was useful in the 
Indian wars and also at the time of the Revolution. Other 
towns southeast of the Blue Mountains were Allentown 
(1751), Reading (1748), Lebanon (1750), Harrisburg 
(1785), Carlisle (1751), Norristown (1784), Gettysburg 
(1780), and many others which have been left behind in 
the growth of the state in population. Towns north and 
west of the Blue Mountains were Bedford (1766), Lewis- 
burg (1785), and Sunbury (1772); along the Juniata were 
Mifflintown, Huntingdon, and Lewistown; on the upper 
Susquehanna were Wilkes-Barre, Tunkhannock,. and Wil- 



236 



POPULATION AND TRANSPORTATION 



liamsport; and west of the Allegheny Mountains were 
Greensburg, Connellsville, Brownsville, Uniontown, Wash- 
ington, Franklin, Warren, Meadville, and Erie. 

The National Road. — One of Washington's ideas was 
that it would be wise to make a road between the east 
and the west so as to bring the two regions into closer 




Black Eagle Inn, on the National Road. 

touch with each other. In 1806 a bill passed Congress 
providing for a National Road from Cumberland, Mary- 
land, to the Ohio. Work was begun upon this in 181 1 
and it was opened to travel as far as Wheeling in 181 8. 
It passed through Maryland, Pennsylvania, and a part of 
Virginia now in West Virginia. It was 112 miles in length, 
and more than half of it was in Pennsylvania. In this state 
it passed through Somerset, Fayette, Westmoreland, and 



POPULATION AND TRANSPORTATION 237 

Washington counties, and in later years was extended far 
into the middle west. It was from forty to eighty feet 
wide. Parts of it are still in use, although it has long since 
passed from national to state control and no longer charges 
toll. For half a century this road had great influence upon 
the development of the country west of the Allcghenies. 
It was the first work of the kind attempted by the na- 
tional government. 

Ferries. — At first people crossed streams by means of 
fords. Reminders of this fact are to be seen in the large 
number of places whose names end with ''ford." Later, 
ferries were built. There was one over the Schuylkill at 
Philadelphia in 1685. Harris Ferry, where Harrisburg is 
now located, and the one at Wrightsville in York County 
were established in 1735. The earhest ones in western 
Pennsylvania were De Vore's, Parkinson's, and the one 
at Belle Vernon. These were in operation before 1770. 
The ferries at Pittsburgh were established in 1779. 

Bridges. — Bridges began to be used instead of ferries. 
The first over the Schuylkill in Philadelphia was begun 
in 1800, and the first in Pittsburgh in 1818. There were 
other early bridges in different parts of the state. The 
one at Wrightsville was built in 1793, the one over the 
Delaware at Easton in 1795, over the Lehigh at Bethlehem 
in 1797, and over the Delaware at Trenton in 1798. These 
were constructed of wood with stone piers. 

Chain and wire bridges. — The first chain suspension 
bridge in the United States was one over Jacobs Creek 
on the road between Greensburg and Uniontown. It 
was erected in 1801. It had a 70-foot span and was thirteen 
feet wide. The chains were of inch-square bar iron and 
the links were from five to ten feet long. After this other 



23^ 



POPULATION AND TRANSPORTATION 



bridges of this type were built at the falls of the Schuylkill, 
over the Monongahela at Brownsville, and over the 
Lehigh at Easton. Remains of the last were recently 
found by workmen who were placing a concrete bridge 
upon the place formerly occupied by the old one. 




Rapid transit, in the olden days. 



Wire suspension bridges are of more recent date. A small 
one was built over the Schuylkill in 1816, but this type 
did not come into general use until the '40's. In connection 
with this it is interesting to know that John Augustus 
Roebling, the man who planned the Brooklyn Bridge, was 
a resident of this state and connected with some of the 
great engineering feats in it. In 1829 he estabhshed at 
Saxonburg, Butler County, works for the manufacture of 
wire rope which he used in connection with his bridges 
and the Portage Railroad. 

Conestoga wagons and pack horses. — In early days the 
favorite methods of transporting merchandise was by 
means of wagons and pack horses. The old Conestoga 



POPULATION AND TRANSPORTATION 



239 



wagon was famous in the early part of the nineteenth cen- 
tury. It was a large vehicle covered with linen cloth and 
was drawn by four or five horses. It carried from 2000 
to 3000 pounds of produce or merchandise. It was no un- 
common thing to pass from fifty to a hundred of them in a 
day along a much used thoroughfare like the Lancaster 
Turnpike. Pack horses, from fifty to a hundred in a train, 
were used to carry iron, salt, and other commodities from 
the east to Pittsburgh. They traveled at the rate of fifteen 
miles a day and each carried about two hundred pounds. 
Cost of transportation. — The methods of transportation 
common before the advent of the railroad were far from in- 
expensive. The rates varied. In 1793 it cost $75 a ton 
to carry iron from Centre County to Pittsburgh. In 1803 
it cost $4.50 per hundred pounds from Baltimore to Pitts- 
burgh and $5 from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. In those 
good old days to send a letter four hundred miles cost 
''2 bu. of oats, or 4 lbs. of butter, or 5 doz. of eggs, or 2 
bu. of potatoes," and the postman had to be prepaid. 




A " flying machine " of 1776 



The stagecoach. — One of the most interesting sights on 
the old-fashioned turnpikes was the stagecoach. When 
the roads had been reasonably improved so that there was 
a continuous series of turnpikes from Philadelphia to 



240 POPULATION AND TRANSPORTATION 

Pittsburgh, there were several rival lines running a stage 
a day from one town to the other. They would accom- 
pHsh the 350 miles in about three days. The same coach 
would go through without change, but there were relays 
of horses every twelve miles. The shifts were made 
quickly and often the travelers did not have time to get 
a comfortable meal. Every few miles there were road 
houses for the accommodation of the general public and the 
horses and drivers of the stage lines. A through ticket 
from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh cost from $14 to $20. 

The drover. — In the turnpike days one of the common 
figures along the road was the drover with his animals. 
He usually rode on horseback. His was the business of 
buying the flocks and herds of the country people for the 
eastern market. Since the coming of the railroad his 
business has entirely changed and he is no longer the im- 
portant personage of fifty or seventy years ago. 

The steamboat. — The colonists took advantage of the 
various streams and rivers throughout the state and fre- 
quently were able to save themselves much labor by them. 
Canoes and dugouts ^ were used at first. Rafts, Durham 
boats, flatboats, and keel boats later came into use, but 
it was not until 1807 that the Clermont ran upon the 
Hudson. This was the first successful steamboat. Its 
inventor was Robert Fulton, a native of Lancaster County, 
Pennsylvania. But his was not the first steamboat to 
ply American waters. John Fitch of New Hampshire 
and Oliver Evans of Philadelphia operated on the Dela- 
ware, in 1787, a boat propelled by steam. While several 
trips were taken between Philadelphia and Burlington, 
the project was not altogether a success and they were 

^ A log shaped by the ax to form a boat. 



POPULATION AND TRANSPORTATION 



241 



compelled to abandon the enterprise for lack of funds. 
Fitch was discouraged and committed suicide. Fulton, on 
the other hand, was amply supported by funds from 
Robert R. Livingston, Chancellor of New York Court of 
Appeals. He soon formed a company to compete for the 



fr rr \JT/ 








The trial trip of Fitch's steamboat on the Delaware. 

large boating business on the Ohio. In 181 1 they launched 
the New Orleans at Pittsburgh. This was a great success, 
and many steamboats were built on the Monongahela and 
the Ohio. In 18 14 one of them called the Enterprise 
carried a cargo of guns and cannons for Jackson's army 
from Pittsburgh to New Orleans. 



242 POPULATION AND TRANSPORTATION 

Iron steamboats. — The first iron steamboat built in the 
United States was the Codorus, constructed in York, 
Pennsylvania, in 1825. It got its name from the creek 
on which York is situated. It made a number of trips on 
the Susquehanna, going as far up the river as the New York 
state line. It did not have enough employment on this 
river and was taken to Baltimore and later to North Caro- 
lina. The Codorus was followed by a great number of 
similar vessels built in Pennsylvania, but these belong to 
a later period. 

Canals. — The first quarter of the century was the era 
of preparation so far as canals were concerned. Various 
surveys were made during the closing years of the eight- 
eenth century to find ways of connecting the Delaware 
with the Susquehanna waters. Such a proposal was made 
in 1690 by William Penn but nothing came of it. The 
earliest mention of a canal in Pennsylvania which was to 
be a reality was in 1793. In this year, the legislature 
authorized the construction of the Conewago Canal in 
York County. This was completed in 1797 and was one 
and a fourth miles long. It was made to enable boats 
to get around falls in the Susquehanna. The first improve- 
ment of river transportation was by the Conestoga Lock 
and Dam Navigation Company which obtained a charter 
in 1806. This gave permission to improve the waterway 
from Lancaster to Safe Harbor, a distance of eighteen 
miles. 

SUMMARY 

There were at first three counties in Pennsylvania, — Chester, 
Bucks, and Philadelphia. These soon increased to eleven. The num- 
ber is now sixty-seven. Before 1800 there were many centers of popu- 
lation. Most of these were in the southeastern part of the state or 



POPULATION AND TRANSPORTATION 243 

in the Ohio Valley. The chief means of communication was by 
horse and wagons on turnpike roads, or by boats and rafts on 
rivers. In 1818 the national government opened the National Road 
through the southwestern part of the state. Ferries and bridges 
began to be constructed and this state became a pioneer in the 
making of chain and wire bridges. The Conestoga wagon became 
the most common vehicle for transporting freight, and the stagecoach 
for passengers. Steamboats began to be constructed early in the 
nineteenth century and as usual Pennsylvania led in the invention. 
Some of the earliest canals built in the United States were constructed 
in Pennsylvania. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. Draw a map of Pennsylvania showing counties and towns 
as they w^re in 1800. 

2. Make a list of the counties whose county seats have the 
same name as the counties. 

3. Find out, if you can, the location of the earliest roads in 
your county. 

4. Make a list of towns whose names indicate that they must 
have been located on fords. 

5. How many different kinds of bridges are there in your neigh- 
borhood? 

6. On a map of the state indicate the early roads. 

7. When was your county seat founded? 

8. How many tons could a pack train carry? 

9. Name the oldest river towns of western Pennsylvania. 

REFERENCES 

Swank: Progressive Pennsylvania. 
Smull: Legislative Handbook. 



CHAPTER XXVI 

THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE NINETEENTH 
CENTURY 

Governor McKean. — Thomas McKean, who succeeded 
Governor Mifflin in 1799, was, at the time of his election, 
chief justice of Pennsylvania and had previously been a 
member of the Constitutional Convention and a signer of 
the Declaration of Independence. He was an uncom- 
promising Democrat, — firm, honest, and at times ill- 
tempered. He was an ardent admirer of Jefferson, but 
was too aristocratic to suit the rank and file of the Demo- 
crats; so, after two terms or six years, the party nomi- 
nated Simon Snyder, a man of German descent and a 
merchant in Northumberland. Because this action dis- 
gusted the more conservative members of the Democrats, 
they organized a party called the "Tertium Quids''^ or 
the ''Quids," and chose McKean as their candidate. The 
leader of the movement was Alexander J. Dallas, the 
secretary of state under Mifflin, afterwards Secretary of 
the Treasury under Madison. With him were the Muhlen- 
bergs. Senator Logan, and the Federalists. McKean tri- 
umphed by over five thousand majority and served as 
governor for three years more. 

The iron industry. — During the administration of Gov- 
ernor McKean the manufacture of iron began to be de- 

1 "A third something." 
244 



FIRST QUARTER OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 245 

veloped in various centers. Among these were Lancaster, 
Coatesville, Phoenixville, and the Juanita Valley. In the 
western part of the state, furnaces were opened at Jacobs 
Creek in Fayette County and later in Pittsburgh. 

Impeachment. — In the early days of the century im- 
peachment proceedings were common. An effort to im- 
peach Governor McKean was made by his political enemies 
but failed. At every meeting of the legislature some 
judges were tried for impeachment, but usually without 
success. These cases were without justification and were 
brought in the hope that positions might be made for 
poHtical favorites. 

Immigration. — After the failure of the Irish revolution 
in 1799, thousands of Irish and English began to come to 
America. The former settled along the seaboard while 
the latter went farther west. Upon the opening of the 
mines and the construction of the railroads and canals 
most of these people settled in the mining regions. 

Harmony and Economy. — In 1803 a company of Germans 
under Father Rapp came to this country. They stopped 
at Germantown and Ephrata and then went west. They 
settled at first in a place which they called Harmony in 
Butler County (1805). After ten years of prosperity they 
migrated to New Harmony in Indiana where they con- 
tinued to flourish. In 1825 they sold their properties in 
that state to the Owenites and purchased a site in Beaver 
County where they built the village of Economy. There 
they had an interesting society. They manufactured cotton 
and woolen goods, and operated one of the earliest silk 
mills in America. All of their public buildings were heated 
by steam from a central plant. Their houses were made 
of brick and were covered with vines. The people became 



246 FIRST QUARTER OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 



very wealthy, owning extensive coal and oil lands, and 
tracts of timber. They also assisted in the development 
of western Pennsylvania by furnishing the means for 
building railroads. Finally dissensions in their ranks and 
__^ ^ their practice of not 



marrying or having 
families led to their 
passing away. Noth- 
ing now remains of 
them as a people 
although at Har- 
mony and Economy 
the old buildings 
stand as objects of 
interest to the cur- 
ious. 

Simon Snyder. — 
McKean not being 
eligible to succeed himself, the Democrats again nomi- 
nated Simon Snyder for governor. The Federalists named 
James Ross, a lawyer of Pittsburgh and a United States 
Senator. Snyder proved the more popular and was elected 
by a majority of 28,000 votes. He, like his predecessor, 
served three terms and was an honest, capable executive. 
Olmstead's case. — An incident which lasted some time 
and which was finally settled in 1809 was the Olmstead 
case. During the Revolution a number of prisoners, 
being conveyed by a British ship, broke from imprisonment 
and, under the leadership of Gideon Olmstead, captured 
the vessel. Later they in turn were captured by a Penn- 
sylvania brig and brought to Philadelphia. The final 
captors claimed the ship as a prize. Olmstead also made 




Assembly Hall, Economy. 



FIRST QUARTER OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 247 

a similar claim. After various suits and decisions the case 
came before the Supreme Court of the United States, 
which of course had come into existence long after the 
original case was started. This court decided, however, 
that Olmstead was entitled to the money. The state in 
turn prevented the United States marshal from serving 
his papers, and the whole affair began to look like rebellion 
against the national government. The legislature finally 
gave the money to Governor Snyder and directed him 
to do as he thought best. The governor thought that it 
was best to submit and the money was paid to Olmstead. 
It was the first clash between the national and the state 
governments. 

The Athens of America.— At this time the people of 
culture in Philadelphia were fond of speaking of their 
city as the "Athens of America." Some of the most cele- 
brated literary men in America were living there. Fore- 
most of these was Charles Brockden Brown, the first 
American novelist. A number of magazines were pub- 
lished of which The Literary Magazine and American 
Register and The American Magazine deserve mention. 
Another of note was the Port Folio edited by Joseph 
Dennie. In 1804, the city was honored by a visit from 
Thomas Moore, who found there a defightful and ap- 
preciative society. Among the authors of scientific works 
were Alexander Wilson, J. J. Audubon, and Thomas 
Nuttall, three well-known ornithologists. 

Audubon. — John James Audubon was interested in all 
nature, but his best work was done in connection with 
the study of birds. He was born in Louisiana of French and 
Spanish descent. In 1798 he settled on a farm on the 
Perkiomen near Philadelphia. He had studied art in France 



248 FIRST QUARTER OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 



under the great painter David and he put his knowledge 
to use in drawing and painting pictures of the birds which 
he found around him. His greatest and best work was 
Birds of America, which sold for $1000 a copy. A com- 
plete copy of this is 
now worth several 
thousand dollars. In 
later life he assisted 
in a publication 
called Quadrupeds of 
North America. In 
preparation for these 
great works Audu- 
bon traveled over 
much of the United 
States which at that 
time was little 
known. Upon his 
return to Philadel- 
phia he was Honized 
by the intellectual 
people of the city. 
Harrisburg the capital. — While the legislature met in 
Lancaster, they were never entirely satisfied. They were 
compelled to meet in rented halls, an inconvenience which 
they felt beneath their dignity. Finally a majority of the 
house voted to move the capital to Harrisburg; the senate 
approved, and Governor Snyder afhxed his signature to 
the bill, in 18 10. For a number of years afterward the 
legislature met in the courthouse in the new capital until 
a suitable home could be constructed for them. The 
building was begun in 18 19, after plans which had been 




Charles Brockden Brown. 



FIRST QUARTER OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 249 

chosen from several offered in competition. The legislature 
first met in the new building in 1822. 

War of 18 12. —During Snyder's administration occurred 
the second war with England. That country had been 
guilty of a number of outrages against the United States, 
most of which consisted of stopping our vessels and seizing 
from them sailors whom they claimed to be Englishmen. 






^t _^..,r.:. 






State capitol, at Harrisburg. 

They were at war with France at the time and needed 
able seamen. These insults occurred so often that Presi- 
dent Madison undertook to stop them. He did not wish 
our country to engage in war, so he had acts passed by 
which our vessels were not permitted to leave port. This 
resulted in a great deal of hardship and loss to our mer- 
chants and there was great opposition to the measure. 
Most of the people in Pennsylvania thought that it would 
be far better to fight. So in June, 181 2, war was declared 
against England. 

Battle of Lake Erie. — No British soldier set foot upon 
Pennsylvania soil during the war, but two parts of the 
state were exposed to the enemy and the people were 
greatly alarmed. These were the part near Philadelphia, 



250 FIRST QUARTER OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 

which they could approach by sea, and the part in the 
vicinity of Lake Erie and Canada. While no battle took 
place in Pennsylvania, the state had much to do with the 
famous fight of Oliver Hazard Perry on Lake Erie. The 
harbor of Presque Isle was a very good place in which to 




The battle of Lake Erie. 



prepare for the engagement and in it several of the Amer- 
ican ships were constructed. Green timber was cut for 
this purpose from the forests in the vicinity and the vessels 
when built were manned very largely by Pennsylvanians. 
When this fleet had been prepared and collected in the. 
Pennsylvania port, the gallant commander lifted his vessels 
o ver the bar and sailed away to the western end of the lake 
in pursuit of the enemy. On September 18, 18 13, he met 



FIRST QUARTER OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 251 

the British fleet near Put-in-Bay. His flagship, the Law- 
rence^ was ah shot to pieces but he would not strike his 
flag. Taking it and a few other belongings he rowed in a 
small boat to one of the neighboring vessels just before 
the Lawrence sank to the bottom. But he did not stop fight- 
ing. Finally he won a great victory and sent to General 
Harrison his famous message, ''We have met the enemy 
and they are ours." He was, thereafter, the hero of 
the war and was voted a gold medal by the Pennsylvania 
legislature. 

Pennsylvania's heroes. — Although not invaded, Penn- 
sylvania furnished more money and men to the war than 
any other state. A regiment of soldiers from this state 
helped to defend Baltimore from the British when that 
city was attacked, and acquitted themselves with credit. 
About two thousand Pennsylvanians were gathered under 
General Tannehill near Meadville to protect that part 
of the state. One thousand of these took part in the 
engagements in Canada. One of those in this expedition 
was General Jacob Brown, a Pennsylvania Quaker and 
the hero of Lundy's Lane. 

Pennsylvania sea fighters. — The American victories on 
water were many and notable. Samuel Humphreys of 
Philadelphia was practically the founder of the navy of 
this war. Among the most famous of the sea fighters 
were James Biddle, Stephen Decatur, and Charles Stewart, 
all of Philadelphia. The last named was the grandfather 
of the famous Irish patriot, Charles Stewart ParneU. As 
the commander of the. Constitution he became known as 
" Old Ironsides," and was one of the most famous of 
American naval heroes. Decatur was better known as the 
conqueror of the Barbary pirates. 



2 52 FIRST QUARTER OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 

Results of the war. — England never admitted that 
she had exceeded her rights, but as she has never tried 
to impress our seamen since peace was declared, the ob- 
jects for beginning the war were attained. America's 
victories on the sea made up for her lack of success upon 
the land. 

Financial affairs. — The financial condition of the country 
was bad; there was no money in the treasury, the country 
was in an expensive war, and the credit of the nation was 
at a low ebb. At this time (1814) President Madison 
appointed Alexander J. Dallas as his Secretary of the 
Treasury. This Pennsylvanian soon brought order out 
of chaos and deserves to have his name placed among the 
great financiers of the country. In 181 6 he founded the 
Second National Bank in Philadelphia in the building 
now used as the customhouse. He also advocated a pro- 
tective tariff, in which he was ably seconded by Clay. 
This was a policy which has always had great weight in 
politics in this state. In later years it became the policy 
of the Republican party and this very largely accounts 
for the fact that Pennsylvania has usually cast her vote 
in national elections for the candidates of that party. 
Clay came to be so much admired by people in Penn- 
sylvania that in Pottsville is erected one of the few statues 
to him to be found in this country. 

State banks.— Pennsylvania people, seeing the advantage 
which the National Bank was to its stockholders and the 
country, thought that a similar advantage would come 
from other banks as well. Accordingly bills creating 
state banks were introduced into the legislature, but were 
promptly vetoed by the governor. So great was the pres- 
sure for them, however, that the legislature passed the 



FIRST QUARTER OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 253 

bills over his veto. About forty such banks were created. 
There were two good state banks at the time in Philadel- 
phia, the Bank of North America and the Bank of Penn- 
sylvania. But other banks began to issue paper recklessly 
and when the time came to redeem it, they had no specie 
for the purpose. As a result people lost money and 
property. 

Reforms. — About this time people began to realize 
that lotteries were wrong and laws were passed against 
them. Temperance societies were formed and people 
began to oppose punishment of debt by imprisonment. 

Coal and coal carriers. — The use of anthracite gradually 
became greater, although people had to be educated to 
its value as a fuel. Those interested in coal kept fires 
burning in pubHc places so that people would grow to 
understand its advantages. Soon a market was created 
for it and coal mining and coal carrying are among the 
great industries of the state. Railroads, canals, and 
towns are dependent upon it. The Reading Railroad 
and the Schuylkill Canal Company were early in the field 
as coal carriers. The Lehigh Coal and Navigation Com- 
pany was started to carry the coal of the Mauch Chunk 
field to Easton from which place it could be taken by canal 
and river to New York and Philadelphia. The Delaware 
and Hudson Canal Company with its railroad was organ- 
ized in 1829 to carry the coal from the region around 
Scranton to tide water. 

Lancastrian schools. — In the last part of the eighteenth 
century and the first part of the nineteenth, England and 
other European countries became greatly interested in the 
educational methods of a Quaker schoolmaster by the 
name of Joseph Lancaster. In the year 1818 a law was 



2 54 FIRST QUARTER OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 

passed giving recognition to this type of schools for Phila- 
delphia and during that year Lancaster himself came to this 
country and took charge of the schools of the city. His 
schools were conducted on an original plan, which, because 
of its cheapness, was thought to be excellent for the edu- 
cation of the poor. In each school there was but one 
teacher even though there were a thousand pupils. The 
teacher gave instruction to the brightest of his pupils 
who in turn taught others younger and less advanced 
than they. The various divisions of a schoolroom were 
made by curtains which could be pushed aside when the 
master for any reason wished to assume charge of the 
whole school. Schools of this kind were estabhshed in 
many places in the state. 

Hiester and Shulze. — In 1820 Joseph Hiester became gov- 
ernor and in 1823 John A. Shulze. In the latter year a sys- 
tem of making nominations by conventions of delegates 
chosen by the people was inaugurated. Before this it had 
been the custom for the members of the legislature to sug- 
gest names of candidates. The new method became pop- 
ular, was copied by other states, and usually went under 
the name of the " Pennsylvania system." 

SUMMARY 

During the opening years of the nineteenth century Thomas 
IVlcKean was governor of Pennsylvania. At this period impeach- 
ment proceedings were common, but rarely successful. Immigration 
of Irish and English began to take place. A band of Germans 
founded Harmony and Economy which had much influence in 
developing the western part of the state. Simon Snyder followed 
McKean as governor. During his administration there was a legal 
conflict between the state and the national government in which 
the latter won. The war of 181 2 with England began and Pennsyl- 



FIRST QUARTER OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 255 

vanians took a prominent part in it. The results of the war were 
favorable to this country. Alexander J. Dallas became Secretary 
of the Treasury of the United States and established a protective 
tariff and a United States Bank in Philadelphia. A large number 
of state banks were also established. These led to speculation and 
were harmful. The anthracite coal regions began to develop. Lan- 
castrian schools were established in many places in the state. Hiester 
became governor in 1820 and Shulze in 1823. Nominating by con- 
ventions was inaugurated. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. Why did the Democrats not wish to nominate Thomas 
McKean? 

2. Where were the earliest iron works in the state started? 

3. What is meant by impeachment? 

4. Read an account of the war in Canada in a history of the 
United States. 

5. Who was the first great advocate of a tarift"? How did his 
position differ from that of Dallas? 

. 6. Why were the early state banks harmful? 

7. Locate on a map the coal towns and coal carriers in Pennsyl- 
vania. 

8. What is said in this chapter about culture and education? 

9. Who were Owenites? 

REFERENCES 

Swank: Progressive Pennsylvania. 
Jenkins: Pennsylvania, Colonial and Federal. 
Wickersham: History of Education in Pennsylvania, 
New International Encyclopedia. 



CHAPTER XXVII 

THE RAILROADS AND THE PENNSYLVANIA 
CANAL 



Introduction. — While in the world at large, canals long 
preceded railroads, in Pennsylvania both came into use 
about the same time and in a number of cases were op- 
erated in conjunction with each other. This state has 

played an important 
part in the develop- 
ment of the railway 
in America. The first 
rails were made of 
two planks laid par- 
allel to each other. 
Upon these were 
placed iron strips to 
keep them from being 
worn out rapidly. At firsts wagons were hauled upon such 
tracks by horses. The first of such roads to be recorded 
at the time was built at Leiperville in Delaware County 
in 1809. At Bear Creek furnace* in Armstrong County 
another such road was in operation in 1818. One was 
built in 1827 at Mauch Chunk to carry coal from the 
mine at Summit Hill to the Lehigh River, a distance of 
nine miles. A fourth was built from Carbondale to Hones- 
dale by the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company to 

256 




An early type of locomotive. 



THE RAILROADS AND THE PENNSYLVANIA CANAL 257 

\ 
carry coal from the mines to the head of their canal. 
These two coal lines were operated in part by gravity. 
Cars were pulled to the tops of hills by ropes and cables run 
by stationary engines. From here they were allowed to go 
along the tracks by their own weight. Two sets of tracks 
were necessary so that they could have grades in opposite 
directions. In case of the one on the Delaware and Hudson 
one track was sixteen miles long and the other twenty. 

The first locomotive. — The first locomotive to be used 
on such a road for practical purposes was the Stourbridge 
Lion, which was built in England and brought to this 
country for use on the Delaware and Hudson tracks at 
Honesdale. There in 1829 this odd little piece of machinery 
had its trial spin. It was not a success, however, as it 
was too heavy for the tracks on which it had to travel. 
The fuel used in the Stourbridge Lion, as in all of the early 
locomotives, was wood. 

Progressive Pennsylvania. — Pennsylvania has always 
been progressive in railroad matters. The country through 
which the various lines ran was of such a nature as to 
require the greatest engineering skill. This state early 
had the longest bridges and tunnels and the most inter- 
esting devices in railroad operation. The bridge over the 
Susquehanna at Harrisburg was the longest in its day. 
The Starrucca Viaduct near Susquehanna on the Erie 
Railroad was the greatest piece of masonry in America 
at the time of its construction and for decades afterward. 
In 1 83 1, many years before the Pullman car was intro- 
duced, the first sleeping car in the world ran on the Cum- 
berland Valley Railroad. The roads of this state were 
among the first to adopt the plan of taking on water while 
at speed. They early adopted the airbrake, and the state 



258 THE RAILROADS AND THE PENNSYLVANIA CANAL 



has within her borders near Pittsburgh the great Westing- 
house Works where airbrakes are manufactured. 

Ties, gauges, and rails. — The old wooden tracks gave 
place to iron, and then to steel rails when the Bessemer 
process had developed a cheap way of producing them. 
In early times the rails were very light but with the in- 
crease in speed and in the weight of locomotives and cars 
came heavier tracks. There was considerable difference 




A train, showing the early type of coaches. 

in the distances between the rails. Oftentimes a railroad 
would have cars of two or even three gauges in the same 
train, for there was a narrow, a wide, and a medium 
gauge. In order to use more than one gauge at a time 
it was necessary to have several series of tracks. This 
was expensive and awkward. Gradually it was found 
convenient to have all tracks of the same width so that 
cars could run from one road to another without unloading. 
The standard gauge adopted was 4 feet 8/^ inches between 
the rails. There are, however, a few small lines which 
still use the narrow gauge. 



THE RAILROADS AXD THE PENNSYLVANIA CANAL 259 

The ties first used on the old Philadelphia, Lancaster, 
and Columbia Railroad were made of stone. Some of these 
can still be seen in places where the straightening of the 
road has left them undisturbed. Almost all roads, how- 
ever, use oak, chestnut, and pine. Steel and concrete 
are also used to some extent. The Bessemer Railroad 
running from Pittsburgh to Lake Erie is the only Pennsyl- 
vania road to use steel to any great extent for ties. 

Other early railroads.— By 1830 the building of rail- 
roads had begun in earnest. One of the earliest was the 
Philadelphia, Germantow^n, and Norristown, of which five 
miles had been completed in 1832. About this time the 
Philadelphia and Reading; the Philadelphia and Trenton; 
the Harrisburg, Portsmouth, Mount Joy, and Lancaster 
Railroads were incorporated. In 1834 the Columbia Rail- 
road and the Allegheny Portage Railroad were begun by 
the state. These were connected with the Pennsylvania 
Canal. A number of roads which are now under the 
control of the Pennsylvania system were constructed in 
1836. 

The Philadelphia and Reading. — This road was chartered 
on April 4, 1833. ^^ ^^^ to extend from Reading to Phila- 
delphia or a point on the Philadelphia and Columbia, or 
the Philadelphia and Norristown Railroad. Through the 
advice of the chief engineer, Moncure Robinson, connec- 
tion was made with the Philadelphia and Columbia at 
Belmont. From that point for three and a half miles 
the tracks of that company were used to the city. At the 
same time a branch was constructed from the falls of the 
Schuylkill to Port Richmond on the Delaware. This gave 
an outlet for coal which was to be shipped along the coast. 
When the various extensions were finished, there was one 



26o THE RAILROADS AND THE PENNSYLVANIA CANAL 

complete line from Philadelphia to Pottsvilie, a distance 
of ninety-three miles. 

In 1858 the Lebanon Valley Railroad was completed 
and absorbed by the Reading. In 1869 this company 
began the purchase of the coal lands which have since 
made it so wealthy. To-day the Reading is one of the 
greatest roads of the country, having branches throughout 
the hard-coal regions, and, through its affiliated roads, 
having terminals in Buffalo and New York. 

The Erie Canal. — During the early years of the nine- 
teenth century leading people in New York began to ad- 
vocate connecting Lake Erie with the Hudson River. 
This finally led to the construction of the Erie Canal. 
This great public work was completed in 1825 and imme- 
diately gained control not only of the traffic of the Lakes 
but of western Pennsylvania and the Ohio Valley as well; 
for it was much easier for a traveler to go by that route 
to Lake Erie and from there by way of the Allegheny 
River to Pittsburgh, than to travel over the Allegheny 
Mountains by such roads as existed at that time. In fact, 
by the first method one could travel at his ease most 
of the way, while by the latter only with the greatest 
difficulty. With the construction of the Erie Canal, the 
people of Pennsylvania, and especially of Philadelphia, 
became alarmed lest the state should lose all of the advan- 
tage of such traffic and began to try to find some method 
of holding it. 

The Pennsylvania Canal. — The Schuylkill Canal was 
opened for traffic between Philadelphia and Pottsville in 
1825, the year that saw the completion of the Erie 
Canal. The Union Canal, which had been begun in the 
early part of the century, was finished from Middletown 



THE RAILROADS AND THE PENNSYLVANIA CANAL 261 

on the Susquehanna to Reading in 1827. By these two 
waterways Philadelphia was brought into touch with the 
interior of the state by means of the Susquehanna and its 
various branches. But to bring satisfactory results, im- 
provements were necessary. It was proposed, then, both 
to improve them and to find some way of connecting 
them with the waters of the Ohio and its tributaries. 
Various surveys were made, some to determine the ad- 




■ On the canal one could travel at his ease. 



visabiHty of connecting the West Branch of the Susque- 
hanna with the Allegheny, others to find a method of con- 
necting the Juniata with the Conemaugh, a tributary of 
the Allegheny. The last route was finally determined 
upon and a series of planes and stationary engines was 
constructed to carry boats and wagons over the mountain 
from HoUidaysburg to Johnstown. This was called the 
Allegheny Portage Railroad. 

The Columbia Railroad.— While there was connection 
between the Delaware and the Susquehanna by way of 



262 THE RAILROADS AND THE PENNSYLVANIA CANAL 



the Schuylkill and Union Canals, this did not continue 
the most used way of traveling with light loads. The 
Lancaster Turnpike furnished a short and easy road to 
the west. In 1829 work was begun along this route upon 
a railroad which was called the Columbia Railroad. At 
first, horse power was used in dragging the wagons and 
cars along the track, but later horses and locomotives were 
employed. It was an odd sight to see the combination 
of different kinds of vehicles. There was but one line of 
tracks and oftentimes the drivers would light over which 
should have the right of way. The Portage Road also had 
the two methods ' of 
propulsion. The first 
locomotive to run up- ^ 

on its levels was the 
Boston, which was f ' ]' ij 
built in 1834 by Mat- ' ^ 
thew W. Baldwin. ^ 

This engine had wooden driving 
wheels and used wood for fuel. 
Boats and cars. — The two 
methods of transporting merchan- 
dise were by boats and by cars. 
Freight was usually carried in 
cars or wagons to Columbia where 
it was transferred to boats. These 
carried it in the canal which ran 
along the Susquehanna and Juniata 
Rivers to Hollidaysburg. At this place it was again loaded 
on cars and transferred over the mountains by means of 
the Portage Railroad to Johnstown, where it was again 
transferred to boats which were towed to Pittsburgh. 




THE RAILROADS AND THE PENNSYLVANIA CANAL 263 

After this method had been pursued for a time companies 
engaged in the business of carrying freight devised means 
of sending articles from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh without 
change. This was done by placing wheels or trucks under 
boats and using them instead of cars. 

Tunnels.— The construction of the Pennsylvania Canal 
involved some of the greatest engineering feats of the day. 
In fact it was one of the modern wonders of the world. 
Various tunnels constructed in the state were the first in 
America. One at Auburn on the Schuylkill was the first 
for a canal; one near Johnstown on the Portage Road 
was the first for a railroad. Three others which were earlier 
than any outside of the state were the Pennsylvania Canal 
tunnel at Tunnelton, one at Lebanon on the Union Canal, 
and one under Grant's Hill in Pittsburgh. 

The Pennsylvania Railroad. — The Pennsylvania Rail- 
road was chartered in 1846 to build a road from Harris- 
burg to Pittsburgh with lines to Erie, Uniontown, and 
other places. It was to connect at Harrisburg with the 
Harrisburg, Portsmouth, Mount Joy, and Lancaster Rail- 
road and at Lancaster with the Philadelphia and Columbia 
road. The next summer, work upon the road was begun. 
In 1850 it was completed so as to connect with the 
Portage Road. From that point to Johnstown the tracks 
of that road were used. In 1852 the remainder of the 
main line was completed. The part from Altoona to 
Portage includes the famous Horseshoe Bend, which elim- 
inates the necessity for the planes. In 1857 the Pennsyl- 
vania purchased from the state the railroads owned by it 
and then had a complete line from Philadelphia to Pitts- 
burgh. Later, at various times, it leased and bought the 
lines w^hich are now operated by it and help to make it 



264 THE RAILROADS AND THE PENNSYLVANIA CANAL 

one of the greatest systems of the world. The Pennsylvania 
Canal becoming too great a burden for the state was also 
sold to various corporations and has since been abandoned. 

Railroad towns. — With the coming of the railroads came a 
large number of industries and towns whose business it 
was to manufacture the materials needed in their con- 
struction and operation. Among these is Altoona, situ- 
ated on the Pennsylvania Railroad at the eastern base of 
the Allegheny Mountains. Here cars and locomotives are 
manufactured. This town was built in 1849 by the rail- 
road and is entirely taken up with the work of operating 
the road and making its supplies. Susquehanna in the 
northeastern part of the state was built in 1846 by the 
Erie road for its shops. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are 
largely taken up with the railroads and allied industries. 
Easton, Allentown, Reading, Harrisburg, Scranton, Erie, 
and New Castle have grown to be railroad centers and 
have lines running in many directions with thousands of 
their people in the employment of railroads. 

Industries. — Some of the industries dependent upon 
railroads are locomotive building and the making of 
bridges and rails. The Baldwin Locomotive Works in 
Philadelphia employ about 20,000 men. Smaller locomotive 
works are found in Altoona, Meadville, Susquehanna, and 
elsewhere. Steel cars are made at Johnstown, Berwick, 
Butler, and Pittsburgh. Rails are made in Johnstown, 
Braddock, Homestead, South Bethlehem, and Sharon. 
Steel bridges are made at Ambridge and Philadelphia. 
One of the first places in which rails were made was in 
the Great Western Iron Works at Brady's Bend. In 1841 
these were the greatest works of the kind, but they have 
since entirely passed away. 



THE RAILROADS AND THE PENNSYLVANIA CANAL 265 




An early view of Harrisburg. 



SUMMARY 



Pennsylvania has been closely connected with the development 
of railroads. The first railroad in America was constructed in Dela- 
ware County, the first locomotive ran in Honesdale, the first sleeping 
car was operated on the Cumberland Valley Railroad. The largest 
early bridges, the first tunnels, and other interesting engineering 
triumphs were to be found in the state. The Reading Railroad was 
the first of the great systems to be organized. This was followed 
by the construction by the state of a line of railroads and canals 
which connected Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. This combination 
resulted in peculiar methods of handling freight. The state, becoming 
greatly in debt on account of these improvements, sold them at a 
loss. The railroads were sold to the Pennsylvania Railroad which 
had been organized, and helped to make it one of the greatest sys- 
tems in the world. Various towns have been created in which live 
the people engaged in operating the railroads or the industries de- 
pendent upon them. Indirectly the railroads have brought into 
existence all great works and factories. 



QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. How could railroads bring into existence all great works and 
factories? 

2. Mention any industry not named which is directly dependent 
upon railroads. 



266 THE RAILROADS AND THE PENNSYLVANIA CANAL 

3. What are the industries of your town or the town nearest to 
your home? 

4. Trace upon a map the canals mentioned in this chapter. 

5. Trace upon a map the railroads mentioned in this chapter. 

6. Are there any locomotives in your neighborhood which have 
names? 

7. What were some of the peculiarities of the early railroads? 

8. Find out the names of as many famous locomotives as you can. 

9. Locate all towns mentioned in this chapter. 

10. Were there locomotives and railroads in America before they 
were in existence in Europe? 

REFERENCES 

Swank: Progressive Pennsylvania. 

Sharpless: Two Centuries of Pennsylvania History. 

McMaster: History of the People of the United States. 



CHAPTER XXVIII 



NEW ISSUES 



Antimasons. — In 1826 a man by the name of Morgan 
threatened to print the secrets of Freemasonry. His 
presses were destroyed and he disappeared. As nothing 
was ever heard 
of him again, it 
was supposed 
that he was 
murdered. This 
incident aroused 
the whole coun- 
try against se- 
cret societies 
and against the 
Masons in par- 
ticular. All 
sorts of extrav- 
agant state- 
ments were made against them. A poUtical party finally 
arose composed of the opponents of the order. 

Governor Wolf.— In 1829 George Wolf, the Democratic 
candidate, became governor. His opponent had been 
Joseph Ritner, the nominee of the new Antimasonic party. 
Three years later the same candidates opposed each other, 
and again Wolf won by a small majority. The third time, 
in 1834, Ritner won. 

267 




Wolf Memorial Gate in Easton. 



268 NEW ISSUES 

Public schools. — Wolf had been a teacher and imme- 
diately proposed that the legislature carry out their obli- 
gation under the constitution and pass a law which would 
make possible an education " to the poor gratis." Other 
governors had proposed the same measure but very little 
had been done. Whatever laws had been passed were 
not effective because they made the poor feel that their 
poverty was a disgrace. The result was that the schools 
were almost without pupils. 

Assistance to colleges. — At the close of the Revolutionary 
War part of the money which was received from confiscated 
estates was given to the University of Pennsylvania and 
Dickinson College. This started the poHcy of state aid 
for higher institutions of learning. In later years, assistance 
was given to various colleges on condition that they would 
train a stated number of men for teaching. Among those 
to participate in such appropriations were Jefferson at 
Canonsburg, Washington at Washington, Madison at 
Uniontown, Western University of Pennsylvania at Al- 
legheny, Franklin at Lancaster, Marshall in Frankhn 
County, Allegheny at Meadville, Lafayette at Easton, 
and Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg. One of the 
greatest speeches of Thaddeus Stevens was in behalf of 
the last named institution. 

Academies. — State aid was also given to various acad- 
emies throughout Pennsylvania. Almost every county 
had at least one of these institutions. But these were in 
no sense free, although they would teach the poor under 
certain conditions. 

Samuel Breck. — There was in Philadelphia a man by 
the name of Samuel Breck who was deeply interested in 
the education of the people. He was a New Englander 



NEW ISSUES 269 

by birth and had ideas on the subject in advance of most 
people of Pennsylvania. He was a man of wealth and 
probably would have been content to take his ease except 
for his wish to improve the condition of the masses. He 
was elected to the state senate and immediately took 
steps to have something done. A committee to investigate 
educational matters was appointed and he was made 
chairman. After gathering all the information that he 
could upon the subject, he and his colleagues prepared a 
bill. It was adopted by both the senate and the house 
by an almost unanimous vote. This was in 1834 and was 
the real foundation of the free-school system of Penn- 
sylvania. 

Opposition to the law. — Although passed so easily, the 
bill was not suffered to remain a law without opposition. 
The whole state was aroused as never before. Some 
people were opposed to it because it provided for taxation 
to support the schools; some because they thought that 
the poor should not be educated at the expense of others; 
members of religious sects which already supported schools, 
the Friends, the Mennonites, the Reformed, and the 
Lutherans, opposed it because they thought it would 
work against their schools and they did not wish to bear 
the additional burden; and still others opposed it on account 
of their own ignorance and selfishness. Schools or no 
schools was the issue of the next election, and a majority 
of the legislature was chosen against the measure. 

The legislature meets. — The senate was decidedly against 
free schools and passed a bill to abohsh the law of 1834. 
The house, however, was more equally divided. Petitions, 
with thousands of signers, had been sent in from all over the 
state against the law. Many of the signers could not 



270 



NEW ISSUES 



write their own names and a large number of others evi- 
dently wrote with difficulty. The northern counties, which 
were largely settled by people from New England, and 
the western counties, where sectarian schools were not 
common, were not greatly opposed, but the counties in 
the southeastern part of the state were very hostile. For 

years afterwards there 
was much bitterness upon 
the subject. 

Thaddeus Stevens. — 
At this time there came 
to the front the great 
champion of the people, 
Thaddeus Stevens. He, 
like Breck, was New Eng- 
land born, but unlike 
him, he was a man of the 
common people. He was 
a member of the house 
from Adams County. 
When the subject was up 
for discussion he delivered 
a speech in favor of free schools which was probably 
more eloquent than any that has ever been heard upon 
any other subject in the Pennsylvania legislature. He had 
been an Antimason, a political enemy of Governor Wolf, 
nevertheless he said in his speech, " If the opponent of 
education were my most intimate personal and political 
friend and the free-school candidate my most obnoxious 
enemy, I should deem it my duty as a patriot to place 
myself unhesitatingly and cordially in the ranks of him 
whose banner streams in light." The friends of free 




NEW ISSUES 271 

schools won and the old law was retained. Several ex- 
cellent amendments, however, were made. 

The United States Bank.— The second United States 
Bank had been chartered in 1816 for twenty years. As the 
end of this period approached President Jackson showed 
opposition to the institution. When he was a candidate 
for reelection, a measure to recharter the bank was offered 
in Congress and passed. The President promptly vetoed 
the bill. The friends of the institution now exerted every 
effort to defeat him for reelection. Many of the leading 
men of the country regarded the bank as a necessity but 
their efforts could not overcome the personal popularity 
of the hero of New Orleans. Jackson w^as reelected, 
carrying even Pennsylvania, the state in which the bank 
was located and where its influence was greatest. 

Jackson persecutes the bank.— Not content with know- 
ing that the bank would go out of existence in 1836, Jack- 
son immediately started upon a career of persecution 
against it. He accused the officers of the bank of using 
its influence for political purposes and of using its funds in 
dangerous speculations. He advised the selling of the 
$7,000,000 of stock held by the government and ordered 
the withdrawal of $10,000,000 which the government had 
on deposit and which was the principal source of credit 
of the institution. Under these disadvantages the bank 
struggled on until its charter lapsed. It was rechartered 
by the state and continued in operation under Mr. Nicholas 
Biddle, its former president. This policy of Jackson was 
probably one of the causes of a most disastrous panic 
which followed shortly. 

The finances of the state. — The state had been for years 
building the Pennsylvania Canal. In this they had put 



272 NEW ISSUES 

more than $30,000,000. More would be required for re- 
pairs and for completing the work already begun. So the 
state was deeply in debt without sufficient income to 
pay the running expenses. Bonds were issued but could 
hardly be sold. The credit of the state was impaired. 

Constitution of 1838. — In 1837 a convention met in 
Harrisburg to draft a new constitution. This was finally 
completed and in the election of October, 1838, accepted 
by the people. A hotly contested election for governor 
under the new constitution occurred between Ritner and 
the Democratic candidate, David R. Porter. The latter 
was elected by so small a majority that Burrowes, Stevens, 
and the other leaders of the opposition issued an address 
advising their friends to ignore the returns and treat the 
election as if it had not been held. 

The election.— Although Porter was elected, the control 
of the legislature was in doubt. The Whigs had a clear 
majority in the senate, but the control of the house de- 
pended upon a disputed district in Philadelphia. If the vote 
of that district should be allowed, the Whigs would carry 
all of Philadelphia; but if that vote could be thrown out 
as fraudulent, as it was claimed to be, the Democrats 
would gain the members from Philadelphia, and the legis- 
lature would be theirs. Each party sent returns to Mr. 
Burrowes, the secretary of state. He naturally accepted 
the first that came to him as they seemed to be perfectly 
regular and the others were not in proper form. This he 
did the more readily because they were the Whig returns 
and he was himself the chairman of the Whig state com- 
mittee. 

The legislature meets.— When they got to the capital, 
both Whigs and Democrats attempted to organize the 



NEW ISSUES 



273 



house. Ruffians from Philadelphia who were in sympathy 
with the Democrats crowded into the hall. Every desk 
was surrounded by a number of threatening men. Speakers 
were elected by each party and two sets of committees 
were appointed to inform the governor and the senate 
that the house was organized and ready to do business. 
The two factions were known as the "Hopkins House" and 
the " Stevens Rump." Of course no business could be done. 

The senate organizes. — In the senate a similar scene was 
enacted. Stevens and Burrowes entered the hall to witness 
the proceedings. When a Democratic contestant was 
excluded, a very bedlam broke forth. The hired thugs 
were so threatening in their attitude that Burrowes, 
Stevens, and Penrose, the president of the senate, sought 
safety by dropping out of one of the windows. They had 
just escaped when a crowd of some twenty or thirty of the 
rioters came to the window. As the members of the mob 
were armed and had made threats, it is probable ihat the 
escape of the leaders of the Whigs averted bloodshed. 

The '* Buckshot War." — Governor Ritner became much 
alarmed and sent for several companies of the militia, 
who were provided in part with buckshot cartridges. From 
this fact the disturbance has been called the " Buckshot 
War." He also requested the President to order some 
soldiers stationed at Carlisle to go to the protection of 
the capital, but this was refused. To prevent more serious 
trouble an agreement was reached not to make use of the 
stores in the state arsenal. In a few days the " rebels " 
returned to Philadelphia and the '' war " was over. In 
the end three of the Whigs voted with the Democrats and 
Stevens and his friends were defeated. This was the last 
of the Antimasonic party in Pennsylvania. 



2 74 NEW ISSUES 

The Native Americans. — In 1843-4 a new movement 
in politics swept over the state. This was the Native 
American movement, which was organized in opposition 
to foreigners. A war was fought between members of this 
party in Philadelphia and the Hibernia Hose Company 
of Kensington. Crowds gathered and attacked the homes 
of Catholics. Churches and houses were burned. The riots 
got beyond the control of the pohce and the militia were 
called out. A continuation of the riot occurred in South- 
wark. The mihtia were again called into service and a 
battle in the streets followed in which a number of people 
on both sides were killed. 

Governors. — Governor Porter was reelected in 1841. 
Three years later the Democrats again carried the day and 
Francis R. Shunk was elected. He was chosen a second 
time in 1847 but died before his term had expired. WilHam 
F. Johnston, the Whig speaker of the senate, succeeded 
him by virtue of his ofhce, but soon became governor by 
vote of the people. 

A greater Philadelphia. — For a number of years Phila- 
delphia County was occupied by a number of separate 
boroughs, each with its own ofhcers and police regulations. 
Evil people from one municipality could commit crimes 
in one and get out of reach of officers into another and in 
this way escape punishment. This led to a lack of respect 
for law which resulted in riots and other lawlessness. 
In 1850 adjacent parts were absorbed into the city and in 
1854 the whole county was included. The police force 
was reorganized and a better social order was established. 

Pennsylvania in national politics. — Clay was the can- 
didate of the Whigs in 1844. To oppose him the Demo- 
crats named James K. Polk, with George M. Dallas, 



NEW ISSUES 



275 



of Pennsylvania, for Vice President. The leaders of 
Democracy at the time were Dallas, Buchanan, and 
Charles J. Ingersol, all from Pennsylvania. Polk and Clay 
were both thought to be for some form of protection, but 
the former carried the state and the nation. Buchanan 
resigned the senatorship and became Secretary of State. 
From this time to the Civil War he was the recognized 
leader of Pennsylvania Democracy. Simon Cameron was 
elected to the Senate as a Democrat. As Polk favored 
the annexation of Texas, his election and the defeat of 
Clay brought on the 
Mexican War. 

Literature. — In the 
middle of the century 
Philadelphia was a cen- 
ter of culture. The best 
known publication of 
the period was Gra ham's 
Magazine of Philadel- 
phia ( 1 84 1 ) . Every im- 
portant literary man in 
America at the time, 
except Irving, was a 
contributor. Poe was 
for a time its editor and 
so was Lowell. Long- 
fellow wrote for it. 
Bayard Taylor, Cooper, 

and Whipple were associated as editors. In 1859 the 
magazine changed its name to the American Monthly. 

Thomas Buchanan Read.— Thomas Buchanan Read was 
a Pennsylvanian of Chester County. He is best known 




Thomas Buchanan Read. 



276 NEW ISSUES 

as the author of Sheridan's Ride, a favorite piece in the 
school readers. He wrote a number of other poems of 
merit among which is the Wagoner of the Alleghenies. 
His earhest ambition was to become an artist and he 
earned his Hving in part by painting portraits. 

Bayard Taylor. — Probably the best known Pennsylvania 
writer of the period was Bayard Taylor. He was a poet 
and novelist. His Views Afoot telling of his travels in 
Europe were very widely read. Some of his stories deal 
with the characters and scenes about his Quaker home 
in Kennett Square in Chester County. He received many 
honors, among them being the appointment to the position 
of United States Minister to Berlin. 

SUMMARY 

A nev/ political party arose in 1829 which was opposed to secret 
societies, especially the IVIasons. The candidate of the Antimasonic 
party for governor was Joseph Ritner. He was defeated twice by 
George Wolf, but was successful in his candidacy the third time. 
During Wolf's administration a law was passed establishing a free- 
school system. Samuel Breck, of Philadelphia, offered the bill. 
Great opposition soon developed against the measure and a legis- 
lature was elected which was not in favor of free schools. The sys- 
tem was saved, however, by the eloquence of Thaddeus Stevens. 
President Jackson became very hostile to the United States Bank 
and succeeded in doing it much harm. It could not obtain a renewal 
of its national charter and continued on one issued by the state. 
A panic followed. A political contest between the Democrats and 
Whigs was so close that a serious riot resulted in the capital. The 
militia was called out to suppress disturbances The Whigs finally 
obtained control of the legislature. The Native American party 
came into existence. It was composed of men opposed to immigrants 
and to Catholics in particular. A number of riots occurred in Phila- 
delphia between the two classes of people and the militia were again 
called out to keep order. The various boroughs in Philadelphia 



NEW ISSUES 277 

County were finally absorbed by the city and the poHce force reor- 
ganized. Philadelphia became the literary center of America, al- 
most all of the leading writers of the period contributing to its 
pubhcations. Thomas Buchanan Read and Bayard Taylor were 
natives of Pennsylvania who attained prominence in literature. 
George M. Dallas and James Buchanan, both of Pennsylvania, 
became the Democratic leaders in national politics. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. Who deserves the greatest credit for the establishment of 
the free-school system? 

2. What kinds of schools were in existence before 1834? 

3. Why were the people opposed to free schools? 

4. What caused the various disorders in the region of Philadel- 
phia? 

5. Write a list of the governors from 1800 to 1850. (See Smull's 
Legislative Handbook.) 

6. Why was the state capital moved from Philadelphia? Does 
this chapter prove any of the reasons offered to be true? 

7. Who were the greatest writers in the country between 1840 
and i860? 

8. What were some of the colleges which were given state aid? 

9. Which colleges have been given state aid in recent years? 
10. Why was Jackson hostile to the United States Bank? 

REFERENCES 

Woodburn: The Life of Thaddcus Stevens. 
Wickersham: History of Education in Pennsylvania. 
Jenkins: Pennsylvania, Colonial and Federal. 
Egle: History of Pennsylvania. 



CHAPTER XXIX 



THE SLAVERY QUESTION 



Early slavery in Pennsylvania. — When Penn came to 
his colony he found blacks held in slavery. At that time 
this institution was common in all civilized countries. 
Penn himself, although a Quaker, owned and kept slaves 

at his home in 
Pennsbury and in a 
will that he made 
provided that they 
should be freed. His 
last will, however, 
made no mention of 
this, although there 
is no doubt that he 
did not approve of 
the custom. During 
the whole colonial 
period slavery was 
an accepted institu- 
tion in Pennsylvania 
and negroes were pubHcly offered for sale in many places. 
The slave trade, too, was in existence and continued as 
long as the national government would permit it. 

Redemptioners. — There was another kind of bondage in 
early Pennsylvania. This consisted of selling the services 

278 




Redemptioners. 



THE SLAVERY QUESTION 279 

of a white person for a term of years to pay for his passage 
across the ocean. Men and women who were sold in this 
way were called '' redemptioners." Some of the leading 
people of the colony were originally of this class. It is said 
that sometimes a man would go to Philadelphia and make 
his purchase only to find that he had bought his brother, 
or father, or some other member of his family who had 
used this method of getting to the new country. Re- 
demptioners, however, were not slaves, for they became 
free when the term of their service had expired. 

First public protest. — In 1688 the first pubHc protest 
against slavery was offered by Pastorius and others of 
Germantown, to the Friends' monthly meeting of April. 
This was referred to the quarterly meeting. There posi- 
tive action was not taken, for the reason that the Friends 
thought the matter related to persons over whom they 
had no jurisdiction. The subject was frequently brought 
up before the meetings of Friends, and in 1758 it was 
decided that Friends should not hold slaves. In 1776 the 
yearly meeting declared that all negroes held by Friends 
should be set at liberty. 

First abolition. — The first abolition societies were 
formed by Friends before the Revolution. In 1775 the 
Pennsylvania Abolition Society was formed. Benjamin 
Franklin was, at one time, its president. 

In 1778 George Bryan who was acting president of the 
state tried to get the assembly to pass a bill freeing the 
slaves. He was not able to accompHsh his purpose, how- 
ever. He was succeeded by Joseph Reed, becoming him- 
self a member of the assembly. Reed also sent in a message 
to that body in 1780 asking for action upon this subject. 
This was Bryan's opportunity and he introduced a bill 



28o THE SLAVERY QUESTION 

requiring persons born of slave mothers after the passing 
of the act, to be freed at the age of twenty-eight. This 
was the first act passed in any state in the Union to free 
negro slaves. 

The last of slavery in Pennsylvania. — The passing of 
the act of 1780 did not immediately free all slaves in 
Pennsylvania. The fact is that men were held in bondage 
for many years afterwards. In 181 1 Judge John Moore, 
of Westmoreland County, at his death set free a number 
of his slaves and willed the rest to his children. As late 
as 181 7 a negro girl was auctioned off in Greensburg. 
The United States census for the year 1840 records that 
there were sixty-four slaves in Pennsylvania. 

Slavery in the Constitution. — The Quakers kept up their 
opposition to slavery and in 1783 petitioned Congress to 
take steps to do away with the evil. When the new Con- 
stitution was being constructed, they entered their ob- 
jections but the members from the South had too much- 
influence and slavery was tolerated and recognized although 
the framers were so ashamed of it that the word " slave," 
or " slavery," does not appear in the instrument. In 
1793 a Fugitive Slave Act was passed although the rep- 
resentatives from this state voted against it. In 1797 
Gallatin asked Congress to investigate the charge that slaves 
who had been set free by Quakers in North Carolina had 
been reduced to slavery by laws enacted after they had 
been freed. In 1804 a Pennsylvanian introduced a resolu- 
tion taxing every slave imported into the country. In 
such ways, time and again, Pennsylvania showed her oppo- 
sition to slavery. 

First antislavery convention. — These agitations had oc- 
curred all over the North and were not confined to any 



THE SLAVERY QUESTION 28 1 

party. In 1833 a convention of antislavcry men was called 
to meet in Philadelphia, — the first convention for the 
purpose in the United States. Beriah Green was its presi- 
dent. Lewis Tappan and John G. Whittier were the sec- 
retaries, and WilHam Lloyd Garrison was one of the lead- 
ing speakers of the meeting. The members of the con- 
vention determined by organization, pubHc meetings, and 
publications to attack the evil and to arouse people 
against it. 

Opposition to the movement. — Opposition to the anti- 
slavery movement began to develop in the North. Its 
leaders were regarded as fanatics and were frequently 
mobbed. Those people who were connected with the 
South, either in a business or a political way, took the 
position that it was a matter in the hands of the states 
and that the northern states had no right to interfere 
with the institution in the South. Philadelphia had many 
people of such opinions and these showed active hostility 
against the enthusiasts. Mobs collected, burned the 
houses of negroes, and drove them from their work. Even 
the mails were denied to antislavery literature. 

Pennsylvania Hall.^Lawlessness could not be checked 
by the poHce and deeds of violence were common. In 
1838 a mob collected and burned Pennsylvania Hall, 
which had been built by the Abolitionists because it was 
found impossible to rent rooms for their meetings. The 
owners were either hostile to them or they feared that 
some damage might result to their properties from mobs. 
The hall was opened by a meeting at which among other 
things a poem, written for the occasion, was read by 
John Greenleaf Whittier, who had just become the editor 
of the Pennsylvania Freeman. The mob began to stone 



THE SLAVERY QUESTION 



the windows and hoot and jeer at the speakers. The 
mayor was appealed to, but could not control the crowd. 
Finally bonfires were built against the hall and it was 
soon in ashes. Whittier lost many 
valuable papers and books in the T 

fire. An attempt was made to burn ^ ' 

the building of the Public Ledger, but /f V" 

the pohce succeeded in saving it. ^'- — '^ 

Slavery in politics. 
— It was not Ion 
before the slavery 
question was playing 
an important part in 
pontics. The North 
and South were about 



JTTlr r~ 
111'" r ^ 










f / 

A mob collected and burned the hall. 



evenly divided in their representations in Congress, but as 
the population in the North was increasing more rapidly 
than in the South, they would have a controUing vote 



THE SLAVERY QUESTION 283 

unless something was done. Every effort to have a new 
state admitted to the Union was bitterly fought by the 
opposing side, and it usually came about that when one 
was admitted from the North another was admitted from 
the South. Finally practically all of the land which could 
be claimed by the slave states was admitted. It was easily 
seen that unless new territory could be found the free 
states would have control of Congress. 

Admission of Texas. — After Texas had rebelled against 
the government of Mexico and had set up an independent 
government, it was urged that this great state be ad- 
mitted to the Union. The South seeing a chance for in- 
creasing the representation of the slave states favored it, 
but the North was against it. This then became the 
issue of the next presidential election. Pennsylvania 
was the pivotal state, and three parties nominated men 
from this state for the vice presidency. Polk was elected 
over Clay and Scott. Pennsylvania voted for Polk al- 
though she was not a slave state. This was because she 
preferred his views on the tariff. The election of Polk 
meant the admission of Texas. 

Mexican War. — As soon as Texas was admitted to the 
Union, Mexico declared war against us. As usual Penn- 
sylvania was early in the field. Six regiments were 
asked of her by the national government and nine 
volunteered. The first regiment to start for the war 
from a northern state was one of these. It left Pitts- 
burgh in December, 1846. The war resulted in victories 
for the United States, and Mexico was made to give us 
large tracts of land which have since been turned into 
a number of states in the southwestern part of our 
country. 



2^4 



THE SLAVERY QUESTION 



Wilmot proviso. — In order to adjust the boundary be- 
tween the two countries in a satisfactory way, Congress 
was asked to make an appropriation of $2,000,000 for the 
purchase of a small tract of disputed territory. David 
Wilmot, of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, offered an 
amendment to the bill which was the " proviso " that 
the money be granted on condition that all land purchased 
should be free soil. This became the issue of a bitter 

fight, which was carried to 
the country at the next election. 
The North favored the proviso 
while the South opposed it. 
Eventually the measure was 
defeated but it brought Wilmot 
into national prominence. 

Underground Railroad. — In 
time slaves began to escape to 
the free soil of the North. 
Laws were then passed to pro- 
tect the owners, but many 




A runaway slave. 



^^^ 



people, especially the Quakers 
of Pennsylvania, felt that such 
laws were wicked and that they were under no obligation 
to carry them out. When slaves were being pursued by 
their masters, these men would assist them in escaping. 
All along the border these poor blacks were to be found on 
their way to Canada. They would come to Chester or 
Columbia, or some other town near the border, and later 
be taken under the protection of the Abolitionists. By 
these people they would be taken to some place of safety 
where they could hide by day. At night they would be 
taken by others to the next station and so on to the next. 



THE SLAVERY QUESTION 285 

In this way they finally arrived at their destination. These 
routes in time became well known to those in the secret 
and the work of getting the slaves to freedom became 
organized. This system was known as the "Underground 
Railroad," and the stopping places were '' stations." 
Many of these stations are to be found in the state. 

The Christiana riot. — Abducting slaves was attended 
by many risks. It w^as against the law and if it had not 
been for the sentiment against slavery, more serious re- 
sults might have followed. However, trouble frequently 
arose. In 185 1 a man by the name of Gorsuch with his 
son came to Pennsylvania in search of his runaway slaves. 
He found them at Christiana in Lancaster County, and 
attempted to take possession of them. At a signal he and 
his son were quickly surrounded by a band of fifty or more 
black men of the neighborhood. Gorsuch was killed by 
one of his own slaves and his son wounded. The slaves 
effected an escape. This incident excited the whole 
country, the South pointing to it as an example of how 
the North would carry out the Fugitive Slave Act. 

An antislavery party. — The Abolition candidate for gov- 
ernor, F. J. Lemoyne of Washington, polled a very small 
vote in 1847. I^ ^^51 there was no candidate and three 
years later the Free-soil candidates received only 2coo 
votes. The Democrats seemed to be firmly intrenched. 
In 185 1 they elected William Bigler Over Governor John- 
ston, the Whig candidate. About this time a new^ and 
mysterious party was coming into existence. Because of 
their reply to any question about the organization they 
were called " Know-nothings." Their watchword was 
" Put nobody but Americans on guard to-night." The 
party seemed to be hostile to Catholics and foreigners. 



286 THE SLAVERY QUESTION 

In 1854 it had gained enough strength to defeat Governor 
Bigler by the election of James Pollock but could not 
defeat his election to the United States Senate. The 
Know-nothings soon became interested in the slavery 
question, but in 1857 the Democrats elected WiUiam F. 




Philadelphia from the Navy Yard, about 1840. 

Packer against Wilmot, the Free-soil candidate, and 
Hazelhurst, the American. 

Republican party.^At first the Free-soil party seemed 
to attract the votes of the opponents of slavery, but as 
the issue became more clearly defined it began to be felt 
that a new party was needed. Such a party, known as 
the Republican party, sprang up in Michigan. In Penn- 
sylvania it was composed of members of a number of 
different parties. Simon Cameron, recognizing the strength 



THE SLAVERY QUESTION 287 

of the movement, left his Democratic friends and gave 
his great abihty as an organizer to the new party. Thad- 
deus Stevens, one of the greatest of Pennsylvania states- 
men, found the party to his liking. Wilmot, soon chosen 
as a Senator, and Galusha A. Grow, the future Speaker of 
the House, were among the great Pennsylvanians to espouse 
the new cause. Governor Johnston, the American, and 
Andrew G. Curtin, the leader of the Whigs, were to be 
found in the ranks. All who were opposed to slavery 
were now Republicans, and the slaveholders of the South 
and the men of the North who thought the matter one 
which should be settled by each state for itself, were 
Democrats. 

First national convention. — The first national conven- 
tion of the Republican party met in Pittsburgh in Feb- 
ruary, 1856. A nominating convention was called to 
meet in June in Philadelphia. John C. Fremont and 
William L. Dayton were chosen as the standard bearers 
of the party. The Democrats named James Buchanan, 
of Pennsylvania. Buchanan had long been the leader 
of the Pennsylvania democracy and had enjoyed many 
honors and distinctions at the hands of his party. He 
had been a Senator, the Secretary of State, and a foreign 
minister. Because of his absence on the last named 
mission he had avoided all entanglements. Millard 
Fillmore was nominated by the Whigs and Americans. 
Buchanan won easily. Pennsylvania gave her distin- 
guished son a substantial majority and he became the only 
President to come from the Keystone State. 

Buchanan's administration. — Buchanan chose as his 
advisers two famous Pennsylvanians, Jeremiah S. Black 
and Edwin M. Stanton; the former first as Attorney- 



288 



THE SLAVERY QUESTION 



General and then as Secretary of State; the latter as At- 
torney-General. The times required firmness and the 
President would not stand in the way of the plans of his 
southern advisers until toward the end of his adminis- 
tration, when he began to realize that he was playing 
into their hands. He was a genial, kindly man, naturally 
unsuspicious of the motives of his friends. His lack of 
firmness gave the more active of his enemies some excuse 
for thinking that he had betrayed his country, although 
those who knew him best have always attributed to him 
the highest motives. 

The southern members of the cabinet foresaw that 
there would be war and succeeded in getting the Presi- 
dent to allow supplies and ammunition to be taken where 
they would easily fall into the hands of the South. Sol- 
diers were withdrawn from the southern forts so that they 

would not be in 
danger of provoking 
the people. Even 
when affairs were 
most critical and 
the war was actually 
upon the country, 
Buchanan did noth- 
ing. 

The John Brown 

raid. — In 1859 an 

Abolitionist by the 

name of John Brown 

planned to seize the fort and military supplies at Harpers 

Ferry, and call upon the negroes of the vicinity to rise 

against their masters and gather under his leadership. 




jW 



The building in which John Brown was captured. 



THE SLAVERY QUESTION 289 

Brown formerly lived in Crawford County and his plans 
were laid while he was a resident of Chambersburg, Penn- 
sylvania. He succeeded in a part of his purpose, but the 
negroes did not rise as he had expected. He was captured, 
tried, sentenced, and put to death. When his body was 
carried through Philadelphia, a great crowd of people 
assembled to do him honor. 

SUMMARY 

Slavery existed in early days in Pennsylvania; however, this was 
the first state to pass a law against it and as long as the institution 
was in existence took an advanced position against the evil. When 
the Constitution was being made Quakers from Pennsylvania tried 
to have slavery made unlawful. The southern states, however, had 
enough influence to have the institution recognized. The first anti- 
slavery societies were formed in the state, and the first antislavery 
convention was held in Philadelphia. A strong party of opposition 
to the movement arose and mobs assembled in Philadelphia which 
destroyed the property of the Abolitionists. An organization was 
effected throughout the state whose object it was to assist slaves in 
getting away from their masters to freedom. This organization 
was called the Underground Railroad. The slavery question finally 
became a political issue and an antislavery party was organized 
which was called the National Republican party. It held a con- 
vention in Philadelphia and nominated John C. Fremont for the 
presidency. James Buchanan, of Pennsylvania, was nominated for 
the same office by the Democrats. The latter was elected. An 
enthusiast named John Brown made plans while living in Chambers- 
burg to seize the United States arsenal at Harper's Ferry and lead 
armed slaves against their masters. He was captured and put to 
death. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. What forms of bondage existed in early Pennsylvania? 

2. What other state early abolished slavery? 

3. How did there happen to be slaves in the state in 1840? 



290 THE SLAVERY QUESTION 

4. What did the national Constitution say about slavery? 

5. Why did people oppose the Abolitionists? 

6. What different political parties were opposed to slavery? 

7. Why did the South wish to annex Texas? 

8. Were there any "stations" of the "Underground Railroad" 
in your neighborhood? 

9. Read the song. " John Brown's Body." 

10. What were some of the positions filled by James Buchanan? 

REFERENCES 

Woodburn: The Life of Thaddeiis Stevens. 
Sharpless: Two Centuries of Pennsylvania History. 
Poems on slavery by Lowell, Whittier, and Longfellow. 
Stowe: Uncle Tom's Cabin. 



CHAPTER XXX 
PENNSYLVANIA AND THE CIVIL WAR 

Lincoln's nomination. — In i860 the Republicans held a 
convention in Chicago to nominate a candidate for the 
presidency. Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, was their 
choice. The Democrats met at Charleston and later at 
Baltimore, but they could not agree upon a candi- 
date. Finally two men were nominated: John C. 
Breckinridge, of Kentucky, the choice of the slave states, 
and Stephen A. Douglas, the choice of the northern 
Democrats. As the Democratic vote was divided Lin- 
coln was elected. 

Secession. — When they learned of the election of Lin- 
coln, the people of the South began to take steps to w^ith- 
draw from the Union. South Carolina was the first to 
act. She was followed in rapid succession by Mississippi, 
Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. Dele- 
gates from these seven states met and formed the ^' Con- 
federate States of America." They adopted a Constitu- 
tion similar to the United States Constitution but so al- 
tered as to give recognition to slavery. 

Lincoln's journey to Washington. — When the time 
approached for his inauguration, Lincoln set out on his 
journey to Washington. On the way he went through 
Pittsburgh over the Pennsylvania Railroad to Philadel- 
phia. At the latter city he attended a flag raising and 

291 



292 



PENNSYLVANIA AND THE CIVIL WAR 



made a speech. He had intended to go from Harrisburg 
to Washington, but Governor Curtin and Colonel Scott, 
the president of the railroad, feared that his life would 
be in danger. He was therefore taken away secretly by 
way of Philadelphia and Baltimore. So far as is known 







.' '1, -W"^' ' 






a 



Lincoln raising the Stars and Stripes at Independence Hall. 



no actual plot existed, but the spirit of the time was 
such that these precautions were thought necessary. 

Lincoln's cabinet. — Among the men whom the new Pres- 
ident appointed to his cabinet was Edwin M. Stanton, of 
Pittsburgh. This man had previously served in the 
cabinet of Buchanan as Attorney-General. From 1862 to 
1868 he was Secretary of War, a very important position 
at that time. His predecessor as Secretary of War was 
Simon Cameron, a Pennsylvanian, who had served for a 



PENNSYLVANIA AND THE CIVIL WAR 293 

year at the beginning of Lincoln's administration, and had 
been minister to Russia. 

Simon Cameron. — Cameron had been elected United 
States Senator in 1845 by the Democratic party. He 
became one of the leading men of the Republican party 
when it was organized and was reelected by them to- the 
Senate in 1856. He was spoken of frequently as a possible 
candidate for the presidency. In 1866 he was again 
chosen to the Senate and served for ten years. He was 
succeeded by his son J. Donald Cameron, who continued 
in the position for twenty years. The Camerons, father 
and son, dominated Pennsylvania politics for at least 
three decades. 

Pennsylvanians in Congress. — Two Pennsylvanians who 
were prominent in the House during these trying times 
were Thaddeus Stevens and Galusha A. Grow. The former 
was frequently opposed to the President although he was 
an uncompromising foe of the slave power. Grow was 
Speaker of the House and was compelled to face many a 
stirring scene in the days when the representatives of the 
South still held their seats. Edgar Cowan represented 
the state in the Senate during the w^ar time. With him 
were David Wilmot until 1863 and Charles R. Buckalew 
of Columbia County for the rest of the period. 

Fort Sumter. — When the Confederacy was formed all 
the properties of the United States within the borders 
of the seceding states were seized and turned over to the 
new government. Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor, 
however, would not surrender without a struggle. This 
was in the command of Major Anderson. The Confed- 
erates determined to get it by force, if necessary, and 
immediately began to gather men and to erect batteries 



294 



PENNSYLVANIA AND THE CIVIL WAR 



on the points nearest to the fort. At daybreak on April 
12, 1 86 1, the first shot against the devoted garrison was 
fired. Anderson's men repHed in kind. The artillery 
duel lasted for thirty hours. By this time the fortifications 
were badly damaged by shot and a fire that had been 




Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor. 



started by the bombardment. The defenders were ex- 
hausted by the constant work and the lack of provisions. 
On April 14 the little band surrendered- 

Call for volunteers. — When the news of the fall of Sumter 
reached the North, the whole country was aroused. After 
consultation with his cabinet Lincoln called for 75,000 
volunteers for three months. At that time no one could 
know that a long and bloody war had begun, and this 
number seemed sufficient to defend the capital and put 
down all hostility. 

First defenders. — Immediately upon the President's 
call for men Governor Curtin telegraphed the news through 
the state and five companies of miHtia responded. These 
were the Ringgold Light Artillery of Reading, who were 
the first to reach Harrisburg; the Logan Guards of Lewis- 
town; the Allen Rifles of Allen town; and the National 
Light Infantry and the Washington Artillery of Potts- 



PENNSYLVANIA AND THE CI\'IL WAR 



295 



ville. All immediately set out for Washington. On 
going through Baltimore they were surrounded by an angry 
mob of southern sympathizers who shook their fists in the 
faces of the soldiers and then threw stones at them. For- 
tunately the Pennsylvania boys were unarmed and no 
blood was shed. These soldiers had the honor of being 
the '' First Defenders " of the national capital. General Win- 
field Scott, who was 
at the time at the 
head of the United 
States army, put 
General Patterson 
in command of the 
Pennsylvania troops. 
They wxre then put 
to the task of keep- 
ing open the line of 
communication with 
the North and of 
fortifying the capital 
against attack. 

Andrew G. Curtin. 
— Pennsylvania sent 
in all 366,000 men to the war which followed. The large 
number which responded to the repeated call of the Presi- 
dent w^as due to the untiring efforts of Andrew G. Curtin, 
Pennsylvania's great war governor. He, under authority 
given him by the legislature, organized the Pennsylvania 
Reserves, a fine body of 15,000 men who were called out for 
three years to defend the state and to do anything else 
which might be required of them. He also estabHshed 
a military camp at a place then on the outskirts of Harris- 




Andrew G. Curtin. 



296 PENNSYLVANIA AND THE CIVIL WAR 

burg. This was called Camp Curtin, after the governor. 
Here the Reserves were organized and drilled until they 
became a very desirable addition to the army. The na- 
tional government finally took the camp over and made 
it one of the great army distributing centers. 

Reserves. — -After the battle of Bull Run the President 
felt the need for the army which was being organized at 
Camp Curtin. They were accordingly sent to the South 
where they served with credit to themselves and their 
state. They took a prominent part in many fierce battles, 
among which was the battle of Gettysburg. One of the 
regiments of the Reserves which attracted a great deal 
of attention was the " Buck Tails." These got their 
name from their habit of wearing bucks' tails in their 
hats. They came from a number of counties in central 
Pennsylvania. Later a brigade wearing 
similar marks of distinction was called 
the " Bucktail Brigade." 

General George B. McClellan. — The 
opening of hostilities found Lincoln with 
an unarmed and undisciplined body of 
men as his support. General Scott, the 
hero of the Mexican War, was now too 
old to take an active part in the work. 

General McClellan. -r^ •, ^ Ai n t^ i 

General George B. McCleUan, a Pennsyl- 
vanian, was put at the head of the Army of the Potomac. 
His was the duty to bring order out of chaos. He became 
the idol of the army. He did not, however, move against 
the enemy with the rapidity desired by his critics seated 
by the firesides of the North. He was in charge of the 
first great operations of the army but did not meet with 
the success desired. He was accordingly replaced by 




PENNSYLVANIA AND THE CIVIL WAR 297 

Burnside. However, he was deserving of great credit 
for he created the organization which, under the leader- 
ship of Grant, brought victory to the arms of the North. 

Pennsylvania an objective point. — From the start of the 
w^ar, Lee, the Confederate general, had been anxious to 
get into Pennsylvania. This was a state where the sinews 
of war were produced. In Pittsburgh the guns and shot 
and shell were made, the coal regions furnished the means 
of transportation, and the rich agricultural regions were 
able to feed great armies. Once in this state he could 
get needed supplies and, further, he would be in excellent 
position to strike the great cities of New York and Phila- 
delphia and from them dictate peace to the North. 

First invasion of Pennsylvania. — Once, in September, 
1862, he started north with these objects in view but he 
was stopped by McClellan's army at Antietam. Later in 
October, General J. E. B. Stuart crossed the border and 
succeeded in getting as far north as Chambersburg. He 
encamped about the town for a night. In the morning he 
obtained possession of some supphes, burned the warehouse 
in which they were kept, and retreated. Word concerning 
his presence in the neighborhood was sent broadcast and 
soon bodies of troops began to march in his direction. 
He succeeded, however, in reaching Virginia with his 
booty. 

The great invasion. — The second invasion of Pennsyl- 
vania occurred in June and July, 1863. It culminated in 
the battle of Gettysburg. This w^as the greatest battle 
of the Civil War when its results are taken into considera- 
tion. It was the turning point of the war. Up to the third 
day of the battle the Confederates had met with no decided 
reverse. From that time their power began to wane. 



298 PENNSYLVANIA AND THE CIVIL WAR 

The preliminaries. — In order to understand the battle 
of Gettysburg, the events leading up to it should be kept 
in mind. In December, 1862, the Union army under 
Burnside attacked the Confederates securely intrenched 
upon the hills back of Fredericksburg in Virginia. This 
effort could have resulted only in failure and the Union 
forces were driven back with great loss. The command 
of the Army of the Potomac was then given to Hooker — 
" Fighting Joe," they called him. At Chancellorsville, 
some distance west of the former disaster, he, too, met 
with a reverse. After resting for some months upon the 
banks of the Rappahannock and reorganizing his army, 
Lee again determined to make an invasion of the North. 

The advance. — It should be remembered that a number 
of parallel mountain ranges run northeast and southwest 
across Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Between 
these are fertile valleys. Lee thought that if he followed 
up one of these into Pennsylvania, the mountains to the 
east of him not only would be a protection to his army, 
but might also serve to conceal his movements. On June 
twenty-second he sent Ewell's corps across the Potomac 
toward Pennsylvania. By the twenty-seventh Ewell had 
passed up the valley through Chambersburg and reached 
Carlisle, while parts of his division had passed south of 
the mountains and were occupying Gettysburg and vicin- 
ity. A brigade of Confederate soldiers under General 
John B. Gordon got as far as Wrightsville but found that 
the Union soldiers had burned the bridge. Railroad cars 
were destroyed and tracks torn up. By this time all of 
Lee's army was across the Potomac. 

Cavalry battle at Hanover. — On the twenty-ninth of June 
a cavalry skirmish took place between the Confederate 



PENNSYL\^\XIA AND THE CIVIL WAR 



299 



forces under Stuart and the Union troops under Kil- 
patrick, at Hanover, a small town in York County about 
sixteen miles east of Gettysburg. The northern men 
were surprised while dismounted in the town and were 
thrown into confusion. Stuart 
was finally compelled to take up 
a formation upon a hill south 
of the town, while Kilpatrick 
occupied one to the north. The 
1 8th Pennsylvania troops oc- 
cupied the town. The Union 
loss was about fifty wounded 
and slain. The Confederate loss 
was about the same. However, 
this engagement prevented them 
from taking part in the engage- 
ment of the first two days at 
Gettysburg which soon followed. 

Lee at Gettysburg. — The Confederate army was spread 
over considerable territory. Lee decided that it would 
be better to get into closer touch with the various divi- 
sions, so he sent out orders to concentrate in the vicinity 
of Gettysburg. While he was aware of the presence of 
some northern troops in the neighborhood he was not 
aware that there was any considerable number. But the 
Union army had not been asleep. They had learned of 
Lee's intention to invade the North and had started after 
him by another road running parallel to his on the southern 
side of South Mountain. On the twenty-sixth of June, 
Hooker was succeeded in command by General George G. 
Meade. On the thirtieth the advance of the Union army 
was in the vicinity of Gettysburg and a clash was imminent. 




Robert E. Lee. 



300 PENNSYLVANIA AND THE CIVIL WAR 

SUMMARY 

When Lincoln was found to be elected President seven of the 
southern states seceded. On his trip to Washington it was thought 
best for him to go in disguise for fear violence might be used against 
him. After he was inaugurated Lincoln appointed in his cabinet 
Simon Cameron, of Pennsylvania, and later Edwin M. Stanton, who 
was also a citizen of this state. During the war the representatives 
of Pennsylvania in the United States Senate were Edgar Cowan, 
David Wilmot, and Charles R. Buckalew. The two most prominent 
members of the House during this time were Thaddeus Stevens and 
Galusha A. Grow. Fort Sumter was fired upon and the whole North 
was aroused. When Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers the first 
troops to offer their services were from Pennsylvania. Andrew G. 
Curtin was the governor of the state during this trying period. 
Through him Pennsylvania furnished over 366,000 men. Curtin 
organized the Reserves which took such a prominent part in the 
war. He also organized- a great distributing camp which was called 
Camp Curtin after him. One of the greatest figures of the war was 
General George B. McClellan, a native of Pennsylvania. Because 
of its wealth and position Pennsylvania was looked upon with longing 
by the southern general, Lee, and three attempts were made to 
invade it. On the first occasion General J. E. B. Stuart crossed the 
border and got as far north as Chambersburg. The next year the 
whole army of Virginia under Lee started to enter the state. On 
June 29 the Confederate cavalry under Stuart had a battle with 
the Union troops under Kilpatrick at Hanover in York County. 
At about the same time the forces of Lee began to concentrate at 
Gettysburg. As the northern troops under Hooker, who was later 
succeeded in command by Meade, had meanwhile followed the 
Confederate army and were now also in the vicinity of Gettysburg, 
a great battle was imminent. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. What caused Lincoln's election? 

2. What was the total number of states which seceded during 
the Civil War? 

S. Find the names of all the members of Lincoln's cabinet. 



PENNSYLVANIA AND THE CIVIL WAR 301 

4. Who were the members of your own Congressional district 
during the Civil War? 

5. ■ What state sent defenders to the national capital at about 
the same time that the Pennsylvania men arrived there? 

6. What was the result of the first battle of Bull Run? 

7. Why was General George B. McClellan removed from 
command? 

8. Trace upon a map the operations of the Army of \'irginia 
and the Army of the Potomac leading to the invasion of Pennsylvania. 

9. Did the battle of Hanover have any effect upon the battle of 
Gettysburg? 

10. What was the total number of men furnished by Pennsylvania 
for the war? 

REFERENCES 

Egle: The History of Pennsylvania. 
Battles and Leaders of the Civil War. 



CHAPTER XXXI 



GETTYSBURG AND AFTER 



The battlefield. — In order to understand the various 
actions of the great battle, it would be well to study the 
field. Immediately west of Gettysburg is Seminary Ridge 
which runs north and south. This was the scene of the 
first day's fight. A short distance 
southeast of the town is the Ceme- 
tery and stretching south from it is 
a ridge which terminates in Little 
Round Top and Round Top, two 
elevations somewhat higher than the 
rest of the field. Along the valley 
which spreads out between Seminary 
Ridge and Cemetery Ridge is the 
Emmetsburg Road. Crossing this 
in the direction of Little Round Top 
is another road. This was the scene 
of some of the second day's fighting. From the Cemetery 
curving to the east is another ridge which culminates in 
Gulp's Hill beyond which are Spangler's Spring and Hill. 
This curve from Round Top north to the Cemetery and 
then east to Gulp's Hill was the main position of the Union 
army during the second and third days' battles. 

From Gettysburg a number of roads extend in all 
directions like the spokes of a wheel and served in 

302 




,^^^^iM"^ "0.^0 TOP 
/ ' ^ 15^ ^^ROUND TOP 



Map illustrating the battle 
of Gettysburg. 



GETTYSBURG AND AFTER 



303 



the battle for the transportation of the troops of both 
armies. 

The first day. — At eight o'clock on the morning of the 
first of July a portion of the Confederate army accidentally 
came upon a division of Union cavalry under Buford near 
Seminary Ridge. Buford 
stubbornly held his 
ground until reenforce- 
ments under Reynolds 
came up. In the middle 
of the morning the gal- 
lant Reynolds was killed, 
and General Doubleday 
took command. At one 
o'clock General Howard 
came upon the scene with 
the Eleventh corps as a 
reenforcement and being 
the senior officer, took 
charge of the Union 
forces. At about the 
same time General Ewell 
assumed command of 
brought with him 




Statue of General Reynolds. 



the Confederates. He, too, 
a large body of men. Stubborn 
fighting continued until about four o'clock when the 
Confederates made their last and fiercest charge of 
the day. The Union army was then driven back to 
Cemetery Hill. That night General ^leade, who by 
midnight had come where he could direct operations, 
took advantage of the delay occasioned by the dark- 
ness to arrange his men and batteries to good ad- 
vantage, and to distribute ammunition and other sup- 



304 GETTYSBURG AND AFTER 

plies for the battle which he knew would occur on the 
morrow. 

The second day. — On the second day the Union army 
line was arranged along Cemetery Hill and around to the 
east as far as Gulp's Hill and Spangler's Spring. Sickles's 
corps instead of taking possession of the left part of the 
ridge near Little Round Top by some misunderstanding 
was in a position farther to the west near the Emmetsburg 
Road. His division in general was parallel to that road 
for a short distance where they turned almost at right 
angles along a road which led to Little Round Top, crossed 
that, and extended irregularly on the other side. At about 
four o'clock in the afternoon the battle began. The fight- 
ing at first was largely directed against the Sickles corps. 
A hand-to-hand conflict was fought and those gallant 
soldiers were slowly driven back. Sickles lost his foot by 
a cannon ball and Birney took command. General Warren, 
the chief engineer of Meade's staff, noticed that Little 
Round Top was unprotected and dispatched Vincent's bri- 
gade to it and none too soon for the Confederates were 
already nearing the top. This was the key to the 
battlefield and both sides fought desperately for it. 
The Union soldiers, although outnumbered, held the 
position and saved the day. Among those who fought 
so vahantly on Little Round Top were the Pennsyl- 
vania Buck Tails. Their leader, Golonel Taylor, was 
killed and Lieutenant-Golonel Hartshorn took his place. 
Generals Weed and Vincent were also killed on this part 
of the field. 

Cemetery Hill. — ^While the capture of the Round Tops 
was the principal objective point of Lee's second day's fight, 
it was by no means all of it. In order to keep the rest of 



GETTYSBURG AND AFTER 305 

Meade's army from lending assistance to those defending 
these positions, Lee ordered an attack all along the line. 
The Eleventh corps with the aid of artillery was placed 
by Meade to defend Cemetery Hill. General Ewell was 
detailed by Lee to carry this point for the Confederates. 
It was one of the important keys to the Federal position. 
Among the more famous of Ewell's troops were the Louisi- 
ana Tigers and well did they deserve their name. Through 
the eastern part of the town and over the open fields they 
came without wavering although their ranks were mowed 
down by shot, shell, and rifle ball. Up to the very guns 
they came and they had even succeeded in spiking two 
of them when Colonel Richard Coulter's men of the 
Sixth corps charged upon them. Back, step by step they 
were driven at the point of the bayonet. They rallied 
but were again repulsed; finally they were forced to seek 
safety in flight. So the day was saved a second time 
largely by the bravery of Pennsylvania troops. 

On the right wing.— The three hills— Culp's, Wolf's, 
and Spangler's — ^upon which had been placed the divisions 
of Geary, Lockwood, and Williams, wxre next attacked 
by Johnson's division of Ewell's corps. It was after eight 
o'clock but the fight kept up with great fury for several 
hours. Green's brigade on Culp's Hill seemed to be the 
weakest part of the line and the Confederates directed 
their efforts against that. Again and again they were 
driven back. Finally Green was left in possession of the 
field. To the south of Culp's Hill the Hne had been weak- 
ened by the withdrawal of a part of Geary's command. 
At this point a considerable force of the Confederates 
broke through the line and reached a point not far from 
Cemetery Ridge. Fearing a trap they withdrew by the 



3o6 GETTYSBURG AND AFTER 

way they had come to the hne formerly occupied by the 
Union army. 

The day ends. — Thus ended the second day's fight. 
Meade had succeeded in repeUing all the attacks of the 
enemy except that of a small detachment on the right. 
The Union army had every reason to rejoice. They had 
met with heavy losses but they had been able to hold 
their ground in one of the fiercest conflicts in history. 

The third day's battle. — During the night Lee rearranged 
his forces. A part of Hill's division was stationed on the 
left to support the attack on Gulp's Hill. Pickett's division 
of Longstreet's corps came from Chambersburg and took 
their place opposite the Union left wing. In the morning 
all was ready for the great final struggle. 

The day opened with an effort on the part of the Union 
forces to dislodge the Confederates from the position 
which they had gained on Gulp's Hill. Geary brought two 
brigades from Round Top and after fighting for an hour 
and a half, drove them slowly backwards. Green now 
executed a flank movement on the right and Lockwood 
from Wolf's Hill began to fire upon them from the left. 
This compelled them to retreat. Geary made a bold dash 
and the Confederates fled. This finished the attack on 
the Union right. 

Pickett's charge. — On the third day occurred the most 
brilliant event of this great battle. General Pickett with 
about 5000 men supported on either side by 5000 addi- 
tional Confederates, was stationed opposite Hancock's 
division on the middle of the left wing of the Union forces. 
The location of this part of the Union line was low and 
easy of approach to the Confederate army. Lee planned 
to take this position by storm. Batteries of over a hundred 



GETTYSBURG AND AFTER 



307 



guns were placed where they could pour a stream of shot 
and shell into the Federal position. Meade, on the other 
hand, had massed his guns where they could do the most 
effective work. It was Lee's intention to use his greatest 
force against Cemetery Hill and the ridge south of it. 

At one o'clock the signal gun was fired. Then began a 
cannonading such as has rarely been known in any battle 
in the world's history. Tons of shot and shell were ex- 
changed between the two armies. For two hours this ter- 
rific fire kept up. Finally the Union batteries ceased 
firing, to rest and allow the guns to cool. It had been 
agreed among the Confederates that the charge was to 




■ Pickett's brave Virginians started across the plain." 



be made when the Federal batteries had been silenced. 
This then was taken as a signal to charge. From the 
west side of the valley Pickett's brave Virginians started 



3o8 . GETTYSBURG AND AFTER 

across the plain. Pettigrew's division was on their left, 
a body of men with but little experience in such work as 
this. These could not stand the storm and broke as the 
lines moved forward, but Pickett's veterans were firm. 
They crossed the Emmettsburg road in three lines when 
the Union batteries began to mow them down. They closed 
up the great gaps and marched on. When within three 
hundred yards of the breastworks, the Union infantry 
began to pour their lead into them, but on they came, up 
to the very line of the enemy. Then there was a hand-to- 
hand conflict for a short time and the brave Confederates 
were defeated. Part of them were driven back and part 
were taken prisoners. This was the most heroic charge 
in the history of the war and marks the high tide of the 
Confederacy. 

Other parts of the field. — While this great event was 
occurring, an attempt was made by the Confederates to 
capture provisions and supplies by going to the rear by 
way of the south of Round Top, but the Union cavalry 
under Kilpatrick struck the enemy in the flank and rear 
and the Pennsylvania Reserves attacked them vigorously 
in front and threw them into confusion. They retreated 
leaving three hundred prisoners and a part of a battery in 
the hands of the boys in blue. While this engagement 
was going on at the Union left, another engagement be- 
tween the cavalry of Gregg and Stuart was taking place 
at some distance from the extreme right. This was also 
favorable to the Union army. 

The end. — This day's bloody contest closed the battle. 
The next day was spent in burying the dead and caring 
for the wounded. That night Lee started for the South. 
The Union soldiers were too exhausted with their three 



GETTYSBURG AND AFTER 309 

days of hard fighting to indulge in a hot pursuit. Meade 
did, however, send cavalry to harass them, but the main 
army never succeeded in overtaking their beaten foe. 
Lee finally reached the banks of the Rappahannock and 
never again attempted an invasion of such magnitude. 

Losses. — While the Confederate army was not utterly 
destroyed by this defeat, they never fully recovered from 
it. The brave men who died at Gettysburg could never 
be replaced. This battle was the turning point of the 
war, for from that time the star of the Confederacy began 
to go down. The total numbers in the two armies gathered 
about Gettysburg were 75,000 Confederates and 88,000 
Union men. Reports dift'er on the question of the number 
killed and wounded. It is sufficient to know that the battle 
was one of the greatest and bloodiest of the w^ar and of 
all history. 

Pennsylvania men. — It is a remarkable coincidence 
that so many Pennsylvanians took part in this defense 
of their own state. Pennsylvania furnished the second 
largest number of men for the battle and sacrificed there 
the same proportion to the altar of their country. Meade, 
in chief command; Hancock, one of his ablest lieutenants; 
Huidekoper; Pennypacker; Crawford, the commander of 
the Pennsylvania Reserves; Geary, Parke, Brooke, Stone, 
Averell, and Gregg were among the generals taking part, who 
were from Pennsylvania. Among those who died at Gettys- 
burg were the gallant Reynolds, who was second in com- 
mand the first day; Bayard, Bohlen, Vincent, and Hays, 
all from this state. Among the bravest of the rank and 
file were the Pennsylvania Reserves. One company of 
these were students from the Gettysburg college, suddenly 
recruited. The Buck Tails, also, played an important 



3IO 



GETTYSBURG AND AFTER 



part in the struggle for the possession of Little Round 
Top. Pennsylvania can take a just pride in the valorous 
deeds of her sons at Gettysburg. 

Lincoln's oration,— At the suggestion of Governor 
Curtin the various states whose soldiers lost their lives 




Pennsylvania's Memorial, Gettysburg. 

at Gettysburg joined in the plan of laying out a proper 
resting place for their dead. Pennsylvania presented the 
land and each of the states gave its share in beautifying 
this cemetery. A monument was erected and dedicated 
with appropriate ceremonies on November 19, 1863. The 
principal address of the day was dehvered by Edward 



GETTYSBURG AND AFTER 



311 



Everett. He was a polished and learned orator of fine 
presence and voice. Great though his address was, it 
was far surpassed in striking the real keynote of the occa- 
sion by a short speech by Abraham Lincoln, the President 
of the United States. This speech went straight to the 
hearts of the people of the country and has ever since 
been quoted upon Memorial Days and similar occasions. 
Although it was not long, Lincoln had prepared it care- 
fully. The great President did not pretend to be an orator 
and did not realize that he was producing something 
which was greater than the cemetery which he was assisting 
in dedicating. 

The third invasion. — In the middle of July one year 
after the battle of Gettysburg, the Confederate general 
Early crossed the Potomac, defeated General Lew Wallace 
and almost captured Washington. General McCausland 
had charge of about 3000 of his troopers. These en- 
tered Pennsylvania and went toward Chambersburg. 
On the evening of the twenty-ninth of July they arrived on 
the outskirts of this unfortunate town. Next day he de- 
manded a ransom of $500,000 in paper or $200,000 in gold. 
As the citizens were unable to pay it, they were compelled 
to refuse. He then set fire to the town. In this way 
about three million dollars' worth of property was ruth- 
lessly destroyed. It happened that General Averell with 
2600 cavalry was at Greencastle, a short distance away. 
He immediately started to intercept McCausland. The 
Confederate, however, had gained an early start and soon 
recrossed the Potomac. 

Losses repaid. — The people of southern Pennsylvania 
had suffered considerable loss through the three invasions. 
The legislature, therefore, thought that it would be no 



312 GETTYSBURG AND AFTER 

more than right to recompense them. A commission was 
appointed to adjust the various claims. In this way the 
state paid over $3,500,000 but of course this was a small 
amount in comparison to the other expenses of the war. 

Orphans* schools. — The state also undertook to look 
after the orphans of those who had died for the Union. 
Several schools for soldiers' orphans were established. 
In this way a large number of such persons were cared 
for and educated. 

End of the war. — Finally after four years of hardship, 
the last of which were embittered by defeats, Lee surren- 
dered at Appomattox in Virginia. This ended the war 
with the North victorious and the slaves free. The Penn- 
sylvania troops had taken part in many of the fiercest en- 
gagements and had always given a good account of them- 
selves. 

Reconstruction. — When the southern states had been 
conquered, it became a serious question what should be 
done with them. President Lincoln took the position 
that they had never been out of the Union and that 
they should be received into the family of states >vith 
the greatest kindness. Congress did not agree with him 
in many particulars. After he had been assassinated 
and Vice President Johnson became President, the new 
President continued a very similar policy but he had 
not Lincoln's abihty or tactfulness. He carried on a 
succession of controversies with Congress in which his 
leading opponent was Thaddeus Stevens, of Pennsylvania. 
These quarrels were marked by extreme bitterness upon 
both sides, which led finally to the impeachment of the 
President. In the trial which followed, Stevens was one 
of the managers of the prosecution. The President was 



GETTYSBURG AND AFTER 



313 



found not guilty by the narrow margin of one vote. Then 
began what is known as "carpetbag" rule in the South. 
This was rule by the negroes and northern men who had 
gone into the unhappy region to take advantage of the 
various opportunities that would naturally arise. To 
oppose this condition, secret societies, like the Ku-Klux 
Klan, were formed which terrorized the negroes and kept 
them from voting. Stevens was always a champion of 
the unfortunate, and in these controversies he took the 
part of the negro. 

SUMMARY 

The battle of Gettysburg was the greatest battle of the Civil War 
because it was the turning point in the success of the Confederacy. 
The first day the Union soldiers were driven back to a position 
on Cemetery Hill. In the engagement they lost General Reynolds. 
On the second day the battle raged along the whole Union front 
and hand-to-hand conflicts occurred in many places. The Con- 
federates, however, were repulsed and only succeeded in getting a 
foothold in the extreme right wing of the Union position. On the 
third day the most brilUant charge in all American history occurred 
when General Pickett's division of 5000 men supported by 10,000 
Confederates charged, crossing a field to Cemetery Ridge. His re- 
pulse and the destruction of his battle line was the high-water mark 
of the Confederacy. The next evening Lee's army started upon its 
return to Virginia and there remained for the rest of the war. The 
battle of Gettysburg is remarkable for the fact that so many of its 
leading soldiers were from Pennsylvania. Among these were ]\Ieade, 
the commander in chief; Hancock, his first lieutenant; and -the gal- 
lant Reynolds, who was killed the first day. In November, President 
Lincoln delivered his famous oration during the ceremonies at the 
dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg. During July, 
1864, the third invasion of Pennsylvania by a band of Confederate 
cavalrymen resulted in the burning of Chambersburg. The losses 
incurred during these invasions were repaid by the state of Penn- 
sylvania at a later date. Under Governor Curtin soldiers' orphans' 



314 GETTYSBURG AND AFTER 

schools were established. The war continued for four years and was 
finally ended at Appomattox with the surrender of Lee. During 
the whole of the war Pennsylvania troops took part in many of the 
fiercest engagements and always gave a good account of themselves. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. Draw a map of the battlefield of Gettysburg. 

2. Locate the position of the Pennsylvania troops on each day. 

3. What part did the cavalry play in the great battle? 

4. What was the bravest act recorded in this description of the 
battle? 

5. Read Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and select the statement 
which you think is most important. 

6. What was the result of the third invasion of Pennsylvania? 

7. When did Lee surrender? 

8. Find out whether any soldiers from your county took part in 
the battle of Gettysburg. 

9. Write the names of all the Confederate soldiers mentioned 
in this description. 

10. On which day did the hardest fighting take place? 

REFERENCES 

Egle: The History of Penjisylvania. 

The New International Encyclopedia. 

Pennsylvania at Gettysburg published by the Gettysburg Commission. 

Lincoln: Gettysburg Address. 

Singmaster: Gettysburg. 

Andrews: The Perfect Tribute. 



CHAPTER XXXII 
FROM '65 TO THE PRESENT 

Geary, Hartranft, and Hoyt. — In 1867 General Geary, 
one of the heroes of Gettysburg, succeeded Andrew G. 
Curtin as governor. During his two administrations, the 
state debts were reduced $10,000,000. The real-estate tax 
was removed except for local taxation. Geary w^as followed 
in 1873 by General John F. Hartranft, who served for two 
terms. During his administration taxes were still further 
reduced by taking them from cattle and farming imple- 
ments, and from the gross receipts of railroads and the 
net earnings of other corporations. Hartranft was fol- 
lowed by Henry M. Hoyt in 1879. 

Panic of 1873. — In 1873 ^^^ ^^ the greatest panics of 
history struck the country. The panic was probably 
caused by overproduction and started with the failure of 
Jay Cook and Company, of Philadelphia. These bankers 
had been useful to the national government during the 
trying times of the war, and had always been regarded as 
sound. Hundreds of weak banks failed everywhere. Most 
of the national banks, however, were able to weather the 
storm. 

Constitution of 1873. — Early in the seventies an agita- 
tion for a new state constitution arose. In 187 1 an amend- 
ment to the old constitution was passed which took the 
election of the state treasurer out of the hands of the 

315 



3i6 



FROM '65 TO THE PRESENT 



legislature and gave it to the people. But this was not 
enough. It was felt that the legislature had been having 
too much power and that some curb should be put upon 
it. Accordingly in 1871 that body decided to submit the 
question of a new constitution to the people. The vote 





i 


. 1 


i^ll X 




■TH ^ 


ii||||BI 


^iiUjii- ■ 


■%.. 


' 



City HaU in Philadelphia. 

was decidedly in favor of calling a convention to draw up 
a new one. The convention which met to consider this 
subject was composed of leading men of the state. These 
met at Harrisburg and Philadelphia and constructed 
what has been regarded as one of the best constitutions 



FROM '65 TO THE PRESENT 317 

in the United States. This was put to a vote and adopted 
by a decided majority. The new law went into effect in 
January, 1874. 

Provisions of the constitution. — By the new constitution 
the number of legislators was increased so that they could 
not so easily be corrupted; the treasurer was to be elected 
by the people; the sessions of the legislature were made 
biennial instead of annual; and all special legislation 
was prohibited. The last provision was an excellent one 
for the reason that in the experience of the past, special 
legislation had proved well suited for poKtical trading. 
While under this system many good laws were passed 
which were suitable to local needs, many others were 
passed which were iniquitous. The new constitution con- 
tained many other excellent provisions. 

Philadelphia City Hall. — In 1874 the building of the 
City Hall of Philadelphia was begun. It is situated at the 
junction of Broad and Market streets in the middle of 
what was one of the open spaces set aside by Penn for 
parks. The building is one of the largest and highest 
in the world. It took more than thirteen years to build 
it and the cost was $20,000,000. 

Centennial Exposition. — In 1876 the one hundredth 
anniversary of the birth of our nation was celebrated by 
a great fair or exposition in Philadelphia. It was more 
magnificent than any which had previously been held in 
America. The various buildings w^hich were erected in 
connection with the fair were located in Fairmount Park. 
They were the Main Building, the Memorial Hall, the 
Machinery Hall, the Horticultural Hall, and the Agri- 
cultural Hall. In addition there were many smaller 
buildings for special purposes. 



3i8 



FROM '65 TO THE PRESENT 



Exhibitions were brought there from every ci viHzed nation 
in the world, including large collections of the work of 
American artisans. It was a great object lesson to every- 
body and taught our people in what respects the products 
of the factories of Europe surpassed ours. At the same 




Memoriil Hail, Fairmount Park. 



time the people of the Old World saw that they could 
learn much from the new nation. 

One of the most interesting features was the collection 
of electrical devices. Among these were the telephone 
and the electric light which were there shown to the public 
for the first time. It would not be considered a great 
exhibit now but it marked the beginning of a new era in 
industrial achievement. 

Other celebrations. — The great centennial exposition 
was the beginning of a series of celebrations of similar 
events. In 1882 one was held in Chester and Philadelphia 
in honor of the two hundredth anniversary of the landing 



FROM '65 TO THE PRESENT 



319 



of William Penn. A party representing the founder and 
his friends landed at Chester and later at the foot of Dock 
Street in Philadelphia as Penn's party had done two 
hundred years before. Governor Hoyt was present to 
receive them and a number of speeches followed from men 
representing Penn and the Indians. Later there was a 
procession of more than 20,000 men representing the his- 
toric scenes and characters of the state. 

In 1887 the centennial of the adoption of the Consti- 
tution was celebrated in Philadelphia by a great industrial 
parade one day and a mihtary parade on the next. There 
were in addition many other festivities to mark the occasion. 
Every year since, throughout the state, centennials have 
been celebrated, sometimes of the founding of the towns 
and counties, some- 
times of other incidents. 
The most recent celebra- 
tions were one of the one 
hundred and fiftieth an- 
niversary of the battle 
of Bushy Run, and the 
semicentennial of the 
battle of Gettysburg. 

Winfield Scott Han- 
cock.— In 1880 the na- 
tional Democratic party 
chose as its standard 
bearer Winfield Scott 
Hancock, of Pennsyl- 
vania. He had served 
with distinction during the Mexican and Civil wars and it 
was hoped by his friends that he would be able to gather 




Winfield S. Hancock. 



320 FROM '65 TO THE PRESENT 

to himself a large following because of his record. He 
was defeated, however, by General James A. Garfield. 

Pattison and Beaver. — In 1882 Robert E. Pattison was 
the Democratic nominee for governor against James A. 
Beaver, Republican, and John Stewart, Independent Re- 
publican. With this split in the Republican vote, Pattison 
easily won. After he served a term of four years, a united 
RepubHcan party elected his old opponent. General Beaver. 
When the term of the latter had expired, Pattison was 
again chosen to the position. When elected the first time, 
Pattison was the youngest man who had ever been gov- 
ernor of this state. He had a strong following in Philadel- 
phia which brought him success in his political aspira- 
tions. He found himself hampered, however, by having 
a legislature of the opposite poHtical party. 

General Beaver was a lawyer who had had a brilliant 
army record. He was three times wounded and lost a leg 
in defense of his country. He was a man of irreproachable 
character and was at one time the vice-moderator of the 
general assembly of the Presbyterian Church, the highest 
position in that denomination to which a layman is eli- 
gible. During the last years of his life, which closed in 
1 914, he was a justice of the superior court of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Reform in Philadelphia. — In Philadelphia, political and 
social conditions were far from satisfactory. In 1880 a 
committee of one hundred was formed who were pledged 
to work for reform in the city administration. . They did 
not meet with much success at the time. Later, however, 
a new charter was drawn up by John C. Bullitt, a lawyer 
of the city, and passed by the legislature in 1887. This 
gave the mayor greater responsibility and power. 



FROM '65 TO THE PRESENT 32 1 

Matthew S. Quay.— In the year 1887 Matthew Stanley 
Quay was elected to the United States Senate. This 
marks his rise to leadership in the RepubHcan politics of 
the state. He soon became known as one of the shrewdest 
poHticians of the country and because of this fact he was 
the recognized political leader. He was always an ardent 
champion of protection in Congress and as chairman of 
the National RepubHcan Committee had much to do with 
the election of President Harrison. 

Great blizzard. — In 1888 occurred the great blizzard 
which swept over the eastern part of the country. All 
communication was cut off from Philadelphia and other 
Pennsylvania towns for two or three days. Telegraph 
poles were cut down, shipping was destroyed, and the rail- 
roads were blockaded by snow. Workmen who attempted 
to clear the drifts from the tracks were frozen to death. 
It will long be remembered as the worst blizzard of the 
century. 

Johnstown flood. — In 1889 disastrous floods occurred 
in central and western Pennsylvania. A cloudburst in 
the Allegheny Mountains caused a dam above the city of 
Johnstown to break and hurl a sea of water down the 
valley, carrying everything before ' it. Johnstown was 
wiped out of existence and between two and three thou- 
sand people perished. The loss of life would have been 
greater but for timely warning given by John Baker, who 
rode at breakneck speed in advance of the mountain of 
water. Great masses of wreckage and the bodies of 
human beings were piled up against a stone bridge 
of the Pennsylvania Railroad below the town. This 
got on fire and its lurid glare added to the horror of 
the scene. 



322 FROM '65 TO THE PRESENT 

The magnitude of the disaster aroused the sympathies 
of the whole world and people everywhere sent assistance 
to the flood sufferers. The state of Pennsylvania took 
charge, preserved order, and distributed necessities to the 
people. The city has since been rebuilt, larger and more 
beautiful than before. 

Other floods. — At the same time w^ith the Johnstown 
flood there was a similar disaster on the West Branch of 
the Susquehanna. Williamsport and other places along 
the river were submerged and a number of lives lost. In 
191 1 a similar disaster overcame the Httle town of Austin 
in Potter County. A great dam which had been built 
to furnish water power to some mills gave way throwing 
a mass of water upon the villages in its path. More than 
a hundred persons lost their lives as a result. 

Fires. — Pennsylvania has at times suffered greatly by 
fires. In 1845 Pittsburgh was devastated by one which 
destroyed over $6,000,000 worth of property. In 1888 
the town of DuBois was blotted out by a disastrous fire. 

Prohibition. — The evil of intemperance had become so 
great that leading people thought something should be 
done to check it. In 1887 a high Hcense law was passed 
by the legislature, but this did not satisfy the Prohibition- 
ists. An amendment to the constitution was therefore 
proposed. This was voted on in 1889, but defeated by a 
large majority, the people in the largest cities not being 
ready for such a measure. Since that date the license 
fees have been greatly increased in cities of the first class. 

Ballot reform. — During the second administration of 
Governor Pattison a law was passed which put in force 
a variation of the Australian ballot system. Under this, 
secrecy in voting is secured. By the old method it was 



FROM '65 TO THE PRESENT 323 

easy to commit frauds, while under the new many of the 
evils connected with the ballot have been made so difficult 
that an honest election usually results. When the ballot 
is secret, intimidation is almost impossible. 

Recent reforms. — A feeling developed that the people 
had not sufficient voice in the choice of their representa- 
tives. In 1 9 13 a law was passed which gave the voters an 
opportunity of expressing their preference at the primaries. 
An amendment to the national Constitution also gives 
the people the power of electing their United States Sen- 
ators. Pennsylvania was one of the states to assist in 
making this a law. Another experiment in government 
which has been adopted to some extent is government 
by commission. The legislature of 1913 passed an act 
compelHng cities of the third class to elect four commis- 
sioners to act with the mayor in governing each of. the 
small cities of the state. 

Spanish War. — In 1898 the United States declared war 
against Spain because of the mismanagement of the gov- 
ernment of Cuba by that nation. As in every other war 
in which this country has been engaged, Pennsylvania 
was among the first to offer her services. Although the 
full quota of 16,000 men was furnished, only a few of them 
were under fire. Among these were the Fourth and Six- 
teenth regiments, who for a short time in Porto Rico 
faced the bullets of the Spaniards. The Tenth regiment, 
however, saw real service in the Philippines. They as- 
sisted in the capture of Manila and afterwards were used 
in putting down the insurrection of the natives. 

The executive building. — The growth of the state and 
the increased work of the government necessitated more 
extensive quarters for the various departments. In 1900 



324 FROM '65 TO THE PRESENT 

a building was completed for the use of the executive de- 
partment and the state library. The latter contains more 
than 100,000 volumes and is especially rich in books and 
documents relating to Pennsylvania history. The building 
is fireproof to give the proper protection to its valuable 
contents. 

The capitol burned. — In 1894 Daniel Hartman Hastings 
was elected governor. He served from 1895 to 1899. 
During his administration occurred the burning of the 
state capitol, in 1897. In this fire many valuable papers 
and documents were reduced to ashes. After the de- 
struction of the building agitation arose in favor of moving 
the capitol elsewhere. It was finally determined, however, 
to rebuild upon the old site. The agitation had at least 
one good effect, for it awoke the people of Harrisburg 
from their lethargy and made them introduce civic re- 
forms which have placed their city among the most pro- 
gressive of the state. 

New capitol. — In the year 1898 a new capitol was begun. 
During the administration of Governor Stone, who fol- 
lowed Hastings, most of the building was erected. It is 
constructed of gray granite and is surmounted by a beau- 
tiful dome which is covered with a green tile. The structure 
has the general shape of the letter E. The rooms which 
are the most interesting to the public are the governor's 
and the lieutenant governor's reception rooms, the senate 
and the house chambers, and the court rooms in which 
the superior and the supreme courts meet. These are 
beautifully decorated. The governor's reception room 
contains pictures by Violet Oakley of incidents in the 
Hfe of Penn. The rotunda and the house chamber contain 
allegorical and historical paintings by E. A. Abbey, and 




5^5 



326 FROM '65 TO THE PRESENT 

along the corridors are pictures representing the religious 
life of the state. On either side of the main entrance to 
the building are groups of statuary by George Barnard. 
All of these works of art are by Pennsylvanians. A novel 
and interesting feature in the decorations is the floor of 
Moravian mosaics which represents in various panels the 
animals and insects of the state. The building and the 
paintings which adorn it are among the best in the United 
States, and of these we have every reason to be proud. 

New departments. — During Governor Pennypacker's ad- 
ministration (1903-1907) a number of new departments 
in the state government were created. Among them were 
the department of forestry, and the health and the highway 
department. It had been known for some time that Penn- 
sylvania had been negligent in road construction. Under 
the system which had been in existence for years few good 
roads had been built. It was now proposed to have the 
state bear part of the expense of such construction. Every 
legislature following made large appropriations for this 
purpose. In Governor Stuart's administration (1907-1911) 
a bill providing for a highway across the state was passed 
but vetoed by the governor. During the administration 
of Governor Tener (1911-1915) a proposed bond issue of 
$60,000,000 for a complete system of roads was voted upon 
and defeated. 

State police. — One of the best pieces of legislation dur- 
ing Governor Pennypacker's administration was the crea- 
tion of the state police. These were to be mounted and were 
meant to patrol the rural districts and other unprotected 
places. They have been of great service in protecting 
life and property in times of strikes, and in capturing crim- 
inals out of the jurisdiction of the ordinary police. By 



'■■■■■•..'. 


^«.i», 






|ii 


If IF ' 






i^mlk 




jii^ 


ii0- 



Governor's reception room. 




Private office of the governor at the capitol. 
327 



328 FROM '65 TO THE PRESENT 

their good sense and tact under trying circumstances they 
have gained the entire confidence of the public. 

Governor Tener. — John K. Tener became governor in 
191 1. He gave the state a businessHke administration. 
One of the important pieces of legislation to be passed 
during his term was the school code. This put the local 
government of the schools into the hands of a few, thereby 
giving the people the opportunity of placing the responsi- 
bility for mistakes. In addition the creation of smaller 
boards has resulted in more efficient administration. 
Provision was also made for agricultural and industrial 
education. A state board of education was created with 
general powers over all educational activities. 

Another monument to the administration of Governor 
Tener was the creation of a capitol park commission with 
power to enlarge the old park in which the capitol is 
situated. 

Peace celebration at Gettysburg. — In 1913 occurred 
the semicentennial celebration of the anniversary of the 
battle of Gettysburg. This was organized as a peace 
jubilee. The veterans of the North and South met as 
friends in a great encampment upon the field where they 
had fought. They came from every state in the Union 
and great preparations were made for their entertainment. 
They were the guests of Pennsylvania and all of their 
expenses within the state were paid out of appropriations 
made by the legislature. The United States army prepared 
the camp for them and, assisted by the mounted state 
police, were of service to the veterans in every way pos- 
sible. One of the special features of the occasion was a 
repetition of the charge of Pickett's men by the survivors 
of that famous body of soldiers. The President of the 



FROM '65 TO THE PRESENT 



329 



United States was present and made an address. Dis- 
tinguished men from all parts of the country came to do 
the veterans honor. 
No such reunion 
has ever before been 
held in the history 
of the world. 

Governor Brum- 
baugh. — In 1915, 
Martin G. Brum- 
baugh became the 
governor of Penn- 
sylvania. He had 
been the first Com- 
missioner of Edu- 
cation of Porto Rico 
and for many years 
the superintendent 
of the Philadelphia 
schools. He was 
also a member of 
the commission that 

drafted the school code and a member of the first State 
Board of Education. A writer an.d speaker of note with 
high ideals, he brought great ability to the office of 
governor. 

SUMMARY 
Geary succeeded Curtin as governor and was followed in turn by 
Hartranft and Hoyt. The state debt was reduced. In 1873 a great 
panic struck the country, beginning with the failure of J. Cook and 
Company, of Philadelphia. During that year a new constitution 
was adopted for the state. In 1876 the Centennial Exposition was 
held in Philadelphia in memory of the one hundredth anniversary of 




Hon. Martin G. Brumbaugh. 



330 FROM '65 TO THE PRESENT 

the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In 1880 the national 
Democratic party chose Winfield S. Hancock as their candidate for 
the presidency. In 1882 Robert E. Pattison, a Democrat, was 
chosen governor of the state. General Beaver followed him, after 
which Pattison was again elected. In 1887 ;Matthew S. Quay became 
a most prominent figure in Republican politics in the state and na- 
tion. In 1889 the city of Johnstown was overwhelmed by a flood. 
At the end of the next decade the mismanagement by Spain of the 
government of Cuba led to a war in which the Tenth Pennsylvania 
regiment took a prominent part. The state capitol was burned and 
a handsome structure erected in its stead. A number of important 
departments were created in the state's government: the departments 
of forestry, health, highways, and the state police. Governor Tener 
was elected in 19 10. During his administration the school code 
was passed, the capitol park enlarged, and the great peace jubilee cel- 
ebration of the battle of Gettysburg took place. 

QUESTIONS 

1. Which of the governors since the Civil War were soldiers? 
Which were not? 

2. Why is the panic of '73 mentioned in connection with Pennsyl- 
vania history? 

3. Who was the delegate to the constitutional convention of '73 
from your district? 

4. What great buildings are mentioned in this chapter? 

5. What Pennsylvania men have been candidates for the presi- 
dency? Which was elected? 

6. How many governors have there been since the Civil War? 

7. What great disasters have occurred in Pennsylvania? 

8. What reforms have been brought about in politics since 1865? 

9. Which was the most important administration in the state 
since Curtin's? Give the reasons for your decision. 

10. What was gained by the Centennial Exposition in 1876? 

REFERENCES 

Egle: History of Pennsylvania. 

Files of recent newspapers. 

Jenkins: Pennsylvania: Colonial and Federal. 



CHAPTER XXXIII 
INDUSTRIAL PENNSYLVANIA 

Early lumbering. — When Penn came into possession of 
his new province, it was called Pennsylvania, which means 
" Penn's woodland." It was covered with trees which the 
early settlers cut and put to use where they fell. Little by 
Httle the forests began to recede from the centers of pop- 
ulation and people started the business of cutting timber 
and floating it to mills which were run by water power. 
These picturesque reminders of the past, some of them 
dating back to the eighteenth century, were to be found 
here and there in the older parts of the state until recently. 

Rafting. — As the timber became scarcer lumber camps 
were formed at a distance from the settlements. Here 
the men worked through most of the year in cutting down 
trees and dragging them over the snow in wintertime to 
the banks of some stream or river. There the logs were 
made into rafts to be carried by the spring floods to the 
mills in the towns and cities fifty or a hundred miles away. 

The log boom. — One of the cities to grow great and 
prosperous in the lumber business was WilHamsport. At 
one time it was the largest lumber mart in America. Hun- 
dreds of mills and factories sprang up there which turned 
the wood into boards and other kinds of merchantable ar- 
ticles. Some of the logs were brought to towns in rafts 
which were easily steered to some spot on the river bank 

331 



332 



INDUSTRIAL TENNSYLVANIA 



near a mill. Others were floated down in the free state, 
and were caught by gangs of men and made into large 
rafts. In the middle of the nineteenth century it was de- 
termined to try to catch these by means of a boom, con- 
sisting of piers, built in the river connected by logs bolted 
together. In 1846 a charter was granted to a company 
which gave them the right to construct such a boom. In 
1849-50 it was used for the first time and proved a great 
success. It stretched at an angle across the river and had a 
capacity of 300,000,000 feet of timber. Frequently the 
river would be so full of logs that one could walk across 
on them. 




A log boom. 



The log drive. — After the building of the boom, lumber 
was usually brought down the river in the free state. In 
the spring of the year hundreds of men were employed 
along the upper waters of the river and its tributaries in 
rolling the logs into the river and in keeping them moving. 



INDUSTRIAL PENNSYLVANIA 333 

This was called a ''log drive." Sometimes the logs 
would get so crowded together as to keep the mass from 
moving. This was a "jam." Considerable skill and 
courage were required to break a log jam. Back of 
the floating mass of logs came the "ark." This was a 
raft or fiatboat on which was built a shed or shanty in 
which the meals of the men were cooked and their bunks 
were made. When the drive reached the boom it was di- 
rected as far as possible to one place so that the buyers 
could more easily determine the character of the owner's 
output. The individual logs were marked, however, with 
names or initials to indicate to whom they belonged. 

The passing of the log drive. — The log drive and the great 
mills at Williamsport have become almost a thing of the 
past. The timber has largely been cut down and the 
railroads and the portable sawmill have penetrated every 
region in the state. Now instead of floating the lumber 
to the mill, the operator takes the mill to the timber, cuts 
it up on the spot, and ships it by rail to the best market. 

Our rank in lumber. — Pennsylvania has great diversity 
in lumber products. For years her white pine was the best 
in the world. She had in addition abundant suppHes of 
oak, chestnut, beech, maple, and cherry. At present her 
largest output is in hemlock. On account of the fact 
that practically the whole state bore forests, Pennsylvania 
naturally became a leading state in the industry. In i860 
she ranked first. Since then as the timber has been re- 
moved she has lost that position. 

The tanning industry. — Tanneries use a great deal of 
bark. As Pennsylvania was rich in forests and also raised 
a great many cattle, she naturally became the leading state 
in the tanning business. She not only has used her own 



334 



INDUSTRIAL PENNSYLVANIA 



large production of hides, but she has imported extensively 
from other states and countries. One third of the capital 
used in this industry in the United States is invested in 
Pennsylvania. The state ranking next to this does not have 
one half so large a production. 




Making pig iron. 



Iron and steel. — We have already seen that the manu- 
facturing of iron and steel was among the earHest industries 
of the state. This has become the state's greatest industry. 
When the railroads began to be built they required millions 
of tons of steel for tracks, bridges, and roUing stock. Later 
came the demands of the new method of building by means 
of structural steel, and the demand for all-steel cars. Under 
these influences Pittsburgh has become the leading steel 
center of the world. In the Pittsburgh district there are 
dozens of towns of various sizes engaged in the business in 
some form. In addition to these, the principal steel towns of 
the state are Johnstown, Steelton, Lebanon, Reading, Beth- 
lehem, Easton, Coatesville, Erie, Scranton, and Philadelphia. 



INDUSTRIAL PENNSYI.VANIA 



335 



United States Steel Corporation. — The greatest man in 
the iron and steel business was Andrew Carnegie. He was a 
man of such abiUty that the other men in the business 
found it almost impossible to compete with him. To pro- 
tect his interests he built the Bessemer Railroad from Lake 
Erie to East Pittsburgh. Fearing to have a man of his 
genius enter the business of transportation, a number of 
capitaHsts led by J. P. Morgan, of New York, determined 
that it would be best to buy out all of his interests, and 
combine them with other companies engaged in the steel 
business. This involved an expenditure of hundreds of 
millions of dollars, the largest amount ever put into any one 
organization in the world. The total amount of bonds and 
stock issued reached the enormous sum of one biUion dollars. 
The new company was called the United States Steel Cor- 
poration. In addition to its many furnaces, steel mills, and 
railroads, it controls tin plate mills, bridge and structural 
steel works, pipe works and foundries, fire brick w^orks, 
cement works, navigation lines, vast ore properties, lime- 
stone quarries, and innumerable coal mines and coke ovens. 
The H. C. Frick Coal and Coke Company, one of its sub- 
sidiary corporations, is the largest producer of coke in the 
world. While a large number of the works and interests 
belonging to the United States Steel Corporation are located 
outside of Pennsylvania, the part that is within the state 
is of such magnitude as to form the largest industrial 
establishment in the state. 

Industries depending on iron and steel. — There are many 
industries which depend either partly or entirely upon the 
manufacture of iron and steel. Among these are the manu- 
facture of locomotives, steel ships, saws, tin plate, pipe and 
tubing, and fire brick, and the production of coke and coal. 



336 INDUSTRIAL PENNSYLVANIA 

Locomotives are made in the Pennsylvania Railroad shops 
at Altoona. The largest works in the world devoted exclu- 
sively to the manufacture of locomotives are the Baldwin 
Works in Philadelphia. These were also the pioneers in the 
business. Pennsylvania is one of the leading makers of steel 
ships. The greatest shipyards are those of Cramp in Phila- 
delphia and Roach in Chester. The early history of ship 
building has been given in another place. The best saws in 
the market are the Diss ton saws, a Pennsylvania product. 
In this industry this state ranks first. The manufacture of 
tin plate in the United States began in 1890. Pennsylvania 
was the first to undertake it and is first in the quantity of 
production. Monessen, New Castle, and New Kensington 
are towns which have extensive tin plate mills. McKees- 
port and Scottdale are towns which are devoted largely to 
the manufacture of tube and pipe. Their works are among 
the largest in the world. In the production of fire brick and 
tile Pennsylvania ranks first in the United States. Pitts- 
burgh is the center of the industry. Many of the smaller 
towns in the state have extensive brick works. Among 
these are Kittanning, Mount Union, Bolivar, Woodland, 
and Clearfield. 

Coke. — The manufacture of coke is one of the most 
important in the state. Fayette and Westmoreland counties 
are the largest producers. In the early days of iron making, 
charcoal was the fuel used. In 1835 coke was used for the 
making of pig iron, by William Firmstone in his furnace in 
Huntingdon County, but it did not come into general use 
until later. In 1840 David Thomas used anthracite with 
success in his furnace at Catasaqua. For many years this 
fuel produced the best results. To-day very Httle anthra- 
cite is used and that little is generally mixed with coke. 



INDUSTRIAL PENNSYLVANIA 



337 



The latter is almost a necessity in the iron and steel indus- 
try. The two best known coke regions are the Connellsville 
in Westmoreland and Fayette counties, and the South 
Connellsville in Fayette County. The largest towns of 
these regions are Connellsville, Uniontown, Mount Pleas- 
ant, and Latrobe. Another important district is located 




Coke ovens. 



about Greensburg. Extensive coke operations are also 
found near Cresson in the Allegheny Mountains. By- 
product ovens are operated in a number of places. These 
are usually located near the steel mills instead of near the 
mines as in the case of the ordinary coke ovens. In by- 
product ovens the gases in the smoke are utilized instead of 
being allowed to pour forth into the air. 

Early uses of petroleum. — Pennsylvania early took the 
lead in the petroleum industry. The western part of the 



S38 INDUSTRIAL PENNSYLVANIA 

state has been greatly enriched by this business. Even in 
the earHest times oil was known to exist in the region. It is 
found mentioned in a letter of 1627. A journal of 1721 
speaks of the existence of such a fountain at the headwaters 
of the Allegheny River. A French map dated 1760 repre- 
sents a fountain of oil as existing near Cuba, New York. 
There are many early references of the kind that are to be 
found in letters and documents of the eighteenth century. 
In early times petroleum was used principally as a medicine, 
although it was known that it would burn. It did not, how- 
ever, become a product of any commercial value until 1859. 
Edwin L. Drake. — In 1859 Edwin L. Drake bored a well 
for oil at Titusville, Pennsylvania. This well yielded about 
twenty-five barrels a day. Samuel M. Kier had previously 
found a way of refining petroleum and had opened a small 
refinery at Pittsburgh. Since those days the oil business 
has grown to be one of the greatest in the country. At 
times there were periods of the wildest speculation in oil. 
Hundreds of wells were sunk and thousands of dollars lost. 
When a new oil-bearing district was found there would be a 
great rush of people there eager for an opportunity to get 
rich. Towns would spring up almost in a night and many a 
place which at such a time was being talked about through- 
out the country is now almost deserted. Among these was 
Pit Hole City, in Venango County. This is said to have 
had enough mail sent to and from it, to make it a first-class 
post ofiice; now few know where the town was located. 
The counties which have the largest number of producing 
wells are Venango and Butler. There are spots in those 
counties where more than a hundred oil derricks can be 
seen at one time. There are many wells also in Allegheny, 
Washington, Clarion, and Armstrong counties. The prin- 



INDUSTRIAL PENNSYLVANIA 



339 



cipal towns in the oil region are Butler, Franklin, Oil City, 
and Titusville. 

Pennsylvania has lost its leadership in the production of 
oil but the industry is still one of importance. 

Natural gas. — Natural gas was usually found wherever 
oil was struck, but it did not come into commercial use until 



m 



#•*»** 




L^m 








A surface coal mine. 



years after. The first well sunk for gas was in the Murrys- 
ville district in Westmoreland County. This was in 1878. 
A large amount of the gas thus let free was allowed to go to 
waste because no one knew how to control it. Before 



340 INDUSTRIAL PENNSYLVANIA 

1880, natural gas was used to some extent in western 
Pennsylvania for lighting streets and houses. After 1880 
it began to be used as a fuel in manufactories. In Leech- 
burg, Armstrong County, it was first used in connection 
with the manufacture of iron. After that it was introduced 
into many of the works in Pittsburgh and vicinity. There are 
a number of important fields producing gas in western Penn- 
sylvania. One of the most productive is in Greene County. 

Salt. — In early days the manufacture of salt was an im- 
portant industry in the state. There were a number of salt 
wells and springs along the Kiskiminitas River in the region 
of Saltsburg. Salt works are still in operation along the 
Allegheny at Natrona. 

Glass. — Glass was early manufactured in Pennsylvania. 
The fuel used was wood. Such works existed in the south- 
east and west. Glass tableware now much prized was 
made in Manheim, in Lancaster County, before 1768 by 
Baron Stiegel. One of the leading sections at present in 
the manufacture of cut glass ware is in Wayne County 
in the extreme northeastern part of the state. Glass was 
made at Bethany in that county in 181 6. The Dorflinger 
Works at White Mills at one time manufactured most of the 
cut glass made for table use in the United States. Pitts- 
burgh was early interested in the making of glass. The 
discovery of natural gas in the vicinity gave a great impetus 
in the business and soon led to her taking the first rank in 
the production of this important material. Pennsylvania 
towns largely given up to the manufacture of glass are Jean- 
nette, Rochester, Kane, and Ford City. These are all 
within easy reach of gas fields. 

Textiles. — Pennsylvania ranks second among the states 
in woolen products and other textiles. Washington County 



INDUSTRIAL PENNSYLVANIA 



341 



raises more wool than any other county east of the Missis- 
sippi River. Philadelphia is the leading city in the country 
in all textiles. Her manufactories make Pennsylvania rank 
lirst in carpets and second in other woolen goods. In early 
days woolen yarns and clothes used to be made in every 
home. The first center of this industry in which there was 
division of labor was in Germantown, which is within the 
hmits of the present city of Philadelphia. This was the 
beginning of the great industry of to-day. 

Silk. — Germantown was also the earliest place in which 
silk was made. Penn provided for the culture of mulberry 
trees in order to raise silkworms. This industry, however, 
died away. In 1825 the Harmonites at Economy in Bea- 
ver County carried on successfully the manufacture of 
silk. These attempts were sporadic. In the '8o's the silk 
industry began in earnest in eastern Pennsylvania. Allen- 
town, Easton, Bethlehem, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hones- 
dale, Pottsville, Reading, and a host of other places have 
great silk mills. Pennsylvania is now the second state in 
the Union in the production of this fabric. 

Cement. — Pennsylvania is a pioneer in the cement indus- 
try and first in the United States in the amount of its pro- 
duction. In Coplay in Lehigh County were the first cement 
works. Now millions of dollars are invested in the business 
in Northampton and Lehigh counties and this state makes 
more than forty per cent of the total output of the country. 
Northampton is the largest town devoted to its manufac- 
ture. 

Mines. — At one time iron ore was mined in many places 
in the state. The richest deposits were in the Cornwell 
Hills in Lebanon County. Zinc works are located at South 
Bethlehem which obtain ore in part from mines in Lehigh 



342 



INDUSTRIAL PENNSYLVANIA 



County. The only nickel mine in the United States for 
many decades was near Gap in Lancaster County. This, 
however, is no longer in operation. The production of 
anthracite has already been discussed. Soft coal is found 
throughout the central and western part of the state. This 




Slate quarries at Bangor. 



is called bituminous coal. Semibituminous coal is also 
mined to some extent. 

Slate and stone. — All along the eastern base of the Blue 
Mountains is an excellent vein of blue slate. At Bangor is 
the largest quarry in the world. Bangor, Pen Argyl, and 
Slatington are leading places engaged in the business. Along 



INDUSTRIAL PENNSYU'AXIA 



343 



the Delaware are quarries of bluestone for pavements, at 
Hummelstown the famous brownstone of that name is pro- 
cured. Glass sand is found along the Juniata. Excellent 
limestone and fire clay are found in many places. 

SUMMARY 

The eady industries of Pennsylvania were lumbering, farming, 
and manufacturing iron, textiles, and paper. The state at present 
ranks first in iron and steel, coke and coal, carpets and rugs, leather, 
glass, natural gas, Portland cement, slate, limestone, locomotives, 
cars, saws, and armor plate. In addition Pennsylvania is second in 
the production of silk, woolen and textile goods, and chemicals; she 
is third in iron and steel shipbuilding and fourth in lumber. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. What has led to the difference in methods of lumbering? 

2. Why has the state led in the production of leather? 

3. Draw a map of Pennsylvania. Locate on it the places men- 
tioned in this chapter, and write upon each the name of the prod- 
uct for which the place is known. 

4. What men are mentioned in connection with the production 
of iron? 

5. What men are now connected with the iron industry? 



How did Carnegie make his money? 

W^here does our table salt come from? 

How is glass made? 

Explain how coal or iron ore is obtained by stripping. 

Name the products of Pennsylvania farms. 

REFERENCES 



Swank: Progressive Pennsylvania. 
Whittier: Songs of Labor. 
Mitchell: Elk County. 



CHAPTER XXXIV 



IMPROVEMENT OF LABOR CONDITIONS 



Early conditions. — The history of Pennsylvania practi- 
cally covers the whole period of the struggle of organized 

labor for better con- 
ditions. In the early 
days there were no 
such things as fac- 
tories and mills as 
we now know them. 
The iron furnaces, 
even, employed but 
a handful of men, 
and much of the 
work of weaving 
and spinning was 
done in the homes. 

With the im- 
provement of trans- 
portation came the 
discovery that it 
was possible for a 
community to take 
up the manufacture 
of some particular kind of article which could be sold 
and sent through a large extent of territory. Then it was 

344 




Germantown mill built in 1691 



IMPROX EMENT OF LAJiOR CONDITIONS 345 

found that if each man were to make only a part of the 
article, instead of the whole, it would be possible to produce 
it at a much lower cost. Finally machines were made for 
doing the work ; they could be obtained more easily by men 
of capital and were kept in buildings erected and owned by 
the capitalists. In this way the great factories and mills 
came into existence. 

Early strikes. — Sometimes the working men felt that they 
were not getting enough pay for their work. Individuals 
would then demand higher wages from their employers. If 
the employer felt that the work was worth more than he had 
been paying, he would occasionally grant the demand. 
Sometimes, however, he felt that he could not afford to do so 
and refused. The workman thought that he was entirely 
at the mercy of his employer and rather than run the risk of 
bearing his displeasure alone, he would get as many of his 
fellows as he could to join him in making the demands. 
When their requests were ignored they would refuse to go to 
work, hoping by their numbers to embarrass their employer 
to such an extent as to compel him to accede to their de- 
mands. This was a strike. Later the laboring men began 
to organize into societies banded to stand by each other 
under these circumstances. 

In 1868 there was a strike in the anthracite region for an 
eight-hour day. In this the strikers did not succeed in 
their object, but they did succeed in effecting an organiza- 
tion. This was practically the beginning of a controversy 
which has taken many forms and developed various methods 
and demands. 

Strikes of the early '70's. — In 1871 occurred what is 
known as the " Sawdust War" in Williamsport. This was a 
bloodless fight of the workers in the sawmills of that city for 



346 IMPROVEMENT OF LABOR CONDITIONS 

higher pay. Much lawlessness was indulged in and the 
militia was called out to quell the disturbances. In the 
same year there was a strike among the miners of Luzerne 
County against a reduction in pay. The National Guard 
was again brought into service at an expense of $38,000 to 
the state. This strike was finally settled by arbitration. In 
1874 the state miHtia was called out to quell the disturb- 
ances occasioned by a strike of railroad employees of the 
New York and Erie Railroad at Susquehanna. 

** Molly Maguires." — A secret organization among the 
Irish miners of the Schuylkill and other anthracite regions 
was formed during the Civil War to resist the draft. During 
1874 they were active against various mine bosses who had 
incurred their displeasure. Their method of procedure was 
to send a number of men secretly, from one region into a 
district where they were not known, to put the offending 
man to death. Finally in 1876 through the efforts of the 
president of the Philadelphia and Reading, nineteen of 
the guilty ''MoUies" were brought to justice and hanged. 

Strikes of 1877. — During the year 1877 there began a 
period of financial depression. Various railroads through- 
out the country were forced to reduce expenses. The Balti- 
more and Ohio made a reduction of ten per cent in the wages 
of their employees, whereupon these all struck. This began 
a general strike throughout the United States. There was 
rioting in many places. Probably the worst in the country 
was in the Pennsylvania Railroad yards in Pittsburgh. 
There the strikers attempted to keep the company from 
moving trains. Parts of the National Guard were quickly 
rushed to the scene, but they were stoned by the mob and 
twenty of them seriously injured. In a short time quiet 
was restored. 



IMPROVEMENT OF LABOR CONDITIONS 347 

At Reading conditions were almost as bad. The railroad 
bridge over the Schuylkill was burned and the mob seemed 
to be in possession of the town. General Reeder and his 
division of the National Guard were hurried to the scene. 
At the same time the miners of the Luzerne region went 
on a general strike. The National Guard were thereupon 
called out and things became quiet. 

New methods and new demands. — Labor leaders soon 
began to feel that if their organizations were to be a real 
power, they must obtain official recognition from the em- 
ployers. In the strikes which followed, the demand for 
better pay and shorter hours was usually accompanied by a 
demand that the unions be recognized. This meant that 
committees or officials of such organizations, some of them 
possibly not living in the state, were to be given the right 
to act for the employed in dealing with the employers. 
The penalty for refusal to accede to these demands 
was the strike. A number of new methods of carrying on 
strikes had arisen. Pickets were placed about the works in 
which the strikers had been employed, whose duty it was to 
"persuade" the strike breakers not to go to work. This 
was accomplished sometimes by arguments and at others 
by threats and violence. The strikers were also organized 
into bands which in the coal regions marched from one mine 
to another to overawe the men who remained at work. The 
boycott and sympathetic strike also came into being. The 
former consisted of not dealing with anybody who did not 
take the part of the strikers ; the latter in trying to gain the 
influence of people not directly concerned by "tying up" 
other industries. 

Strikes of the '90's.— In 1892 there was the great Home- 
stead strike. The Carnegie Steel Company had reduced 



348 IMPROVEMENT OF LABOR CONDITIONS 

wages and the men refused to accept the reduction. Rioting 
followed. The company employed Pinkerton men to pro- 
tect their property. In a clash between these and the strik- 
ers a dozen men were killed. Twice the sheriff of Allegheny 
County asked the governor for help. Finally two brigades of 
the National Guard were sent and soon restored order. In 
the year 1893 there were hfty- three strikes and in 1894, 
twenty-seven. 

Anthracite strikes. — In 1897 the miners of the Hazelton 
region in Luzerne County became disaffected. In 1900 there 
were serious riots at Shenandoah. Two years later another 
strike started at Shenandoah and spread throughout the 
anthracite regions. This was the best organized strike that 
the state had experienced. At first three regiments of the 
Guard and the Governor's Troop were ordered out. It was 
soon seen that this force was insufficient to cope with the 




Homestead steel works, Pittsburgh. 



difficulty. In the end, almost the whole Guard took part. 
The strike lasted until the cold weather of approaching 
winter began to be felt. Many people in the cities which 



IMPROVEMENT OF LABOR CONDITIONS 



349 



were dependent upon this coal, suffered from lack of 
fuel. Under these circumstances, the President of the 
United States undertook to end the strike. He appointed 
a board of arbitration to go into the merits of the case. 
The strike was im- 
mediately called off, 
pending the decision 
of this board. After 
careful investigation 
the strikers were 
granted a ten per 
cent increase in 
wages. The union, 
however, was re- 
fused recognition. 

State police. — Up 
to 1900 all serious 
riots had been han- 
dled by the National Guard. It began to be felt that an 
organization which was always at hand would be more 
effective in keeping lawlessness from starting. During 
Governor Pennypacker's administration, as w^e have seen, 
the state police were organized. These consisted of about 
200 mounted troops divided into four companies. At first a 
company was located in each of the following places : Greens- 
burg, Punxsutawney, Wyoming, and Reading. In 19 14 they 
were located at Greensburg, Wyoming, Pottsville, and But- 
ler, where are the barracks of the police. Details of from 
two to six men are located at various places in the sur- 
rounding country. These men are continually employed in 
preserving order, making arrests, and ferreting out crimes. 
They have also been useful at times of forest fires. For 




Interior of a coal mine. 



3S^ 



IAIPRO\'EMENT OF LABOR CONDITIONS 



the most part they are men who have served in the regular 
army of the United States. By their uniform fairness and 
good sense under trying circumstances they have won their 
way into popular favor. Besides making life and property 




Pennsylvania State Police. 



safe during ordinary times they have assisted in putting 
down lawlessness during many strikes. 

The state poHce have never been furnished for riot or 
strike duty until a request has been made by the sheriff of 
the county in which the disturbance occurred, or until the 
district attorney has certified that the situation is beyond 
the control of the local authorities. 

New laws. — While workingmen have been trying to gain 
better pay and shorter hours by means of strikes, men in the 



IMPROVEMENT OE EABOR CONDTTTOXS 351 

legislature and elsewhere have been successful in having laws 
passed to improve working conditions. Acts regulating 
child labor and requiring compulsory attendance in school 
are among these. A law forbidding the establishment or 
operation of the company store, and others requir- 
ing safety devices and providing for proper inspection 
of mines and factories have been passed. Many cor- 
porations have gone further than the law in providing 
comfort and convenience for their employees. Some 
have contributed to the beautifying of the villages 
and homes of the workingmen, some to the equipment 
of schools and hospitals. Many provide hbraries, club 
houses, and gymnasiums for their employees. 

Model towns. — There are many towns in the state which 
were built especially for the comfort and convenience of the 
men employed in the industries upon which such towns 
depend. These are laid out with streets, pavements, sewers, 
schools and other pubHc buildings, all ready for occupancy 
at the time of the construction of the works. Vandergrift, a 
town of this kind, has parks, streets curved to add to the 
beauty of the place, a casino artistically located facing a 
central park, the ugliness of the mill yards concealed by a 
vine-covered wall, and beautiful churches and school build- 
ings. The houses are modern and comfortable. 

Pennsylvania was started by her founder as " An Holy 
Experiment" in government. It has proved to be one of 
the places in the world in which many problems are being 
worked out. Among these is the labor problem. 

SUMMARY 

Pennsylvania has been one of our greatest industrial states. On 
account of this there have been many labor troubles within her bor- 



352 IMPROVEMENT OF LABOR CONDITIONS 

ders. After great factories and mills came into existence, the working- 
man thought that he did not get the consideration which he got when 
his employer was more intimately acquainted with his troubles. This 
condition led to strikes. One of the first of these occurred in 1868. 
At first the workingman struck for increased pay or against decreased 
pay. Later they began to strike for shorter hours. Great unions 
arose which demanded the right to regulate labor difficulties. One 
of these carried on a strike of such importance in the anthracite 
mining regions that the President used his influence in effecting a 
settlement. In most of the early strikes the National Guard of the 
state preserved order. In recent years a permanent body of state 
police have been used for this purpose. Notwithstanding the labor 
troubles, the condition of the laboring man has steadily improved. 
Many laws looking to their safety, comfort, and convenience have 
been passed. Some model towns have been built. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. How did factories come into existence? 

2. Where were the first great strikes? 

3. Why is it advisable to have state police? 

4. What is meant by " resisting the draft "? 

5. What counties have had the most serious strikes? 

6. How has the child labor law been favorable to the working- 



man 



7. What are some of the good things done for labor by the 
employers? 

8. What proportion of strikes are won? 

9. Give an account of John IVIitchell. 
10. What is meant by " picketing "? 

REFERENCES 

Reports of the Pennsylvania State Police. 
Egle: The History of Pennsylvania. 
Jenkins: Pennsyhania, Colonial and Federal, 



CHAPTER XXXV 
GREAT MEN OF THE KEYSTONE STATE 

Introduction. — It has frequently been said that the great- 
ness of a state depends upon the greatness of her men. In 
this respect the Keystone State has just reason to be proud. 
In every walk of life citizens of Pennsylvania have been 
found among the leaders. To the variety of her occupations 
and the diversity of her races may be attributed the fact 
that her men have been great in so many different lines. 

Statesmen. — One of the first problems which the founder 
of this state set out to solve was that of popular govern- 
ment. Pennsylvania has dojie her share in working out this 
''Experiment." The names of the great statesmen of the 
Revolution would be incomplete without those of Franklin 
and Dickinson, and in connection with the formation of the 
national Constitution none did greater work than Wilson. 
In the greatest crisis of our American history few names 
stand out with more prominence than that of Thaddeus 
Stevens and Andrew G. Curtin, while Stanton, Cameron, 
and Buchanan as Senators and cabinet officers were recog- 
nized leaders. Buchanan was the only President given by 
the state and although his term of ofiice was shrouded with 
gloom, his previous distinguished services to his state and 
nation have given him a place among the great men of the 
commonwealth. Some twenty-five other Pennsylvanians 
served in cabinets. The more prominent of these were 

353 



354 GREAT MEN OF THE KEYSTONE STATE 

Gallatin, Black, Porter, Smith, and Wanamaker. James G. 
Blaine and Alexander Ramsay, who were appointed from 
other states, were natives of Pennsylvania. F. A. Muhlen- 
berg, a member of Pennsylvania's most prominent family, 
Grow, and Randall were Speakers of the national House of 
Representatives. 

Financiers. — Pennsylvania has furnished some of the 
greatest financiers in the history of the country. Robert 
Morris, the financier of the Revolution, Hamilton, who 
placed the infant government upon a sound financial basis, 
Stephen Girard and Albert Gallatin, both of whom came 
to the assistance of their adopted country during times of 
financial stress, and Alexander J. Dallas have been the 
greatest men connected with the financial history of our 
country. 

Philanthropists. — Many men who have attained promi- 
nence in the world of wealth and who have given of their 
means to worthy philanthropies have lived in Pennsylvania. 
Stephen Girard, the richest man of his day, gave millions 
of dollars to found Girard College. Andrew Carnegie, one 
of the captains of industry in the iron and steel business, has 
given more to the endowment of libraries than any other 
man who ever lived. He has also made generous gifts for 
other philanthropic purposes. His greatest benefactions 
are in Pittsburgh. There are located the Carnegie Techni- 
cal School and the famous Carnegie Institute. In the 
great building given by him to the latter, are the Library, 
the Art Gallery, the Music Hall, and the Museum. The 
Institute is very well endowed. In connection with the 
Art Gallery are held exhibitions of pictures which attract 
the greatest painters in the world. Mr. Carnegie has been 
prominent in the peace movement and in connection with 



GREAT MEN OF THE KEYSTONE STATE 



355 



this he made a large gift to the erection of a building at The 
Hague where international peace tribunals could meet. 
He has also given large 
sums which are to be 
used to pension various 
deserving classes of peo- 
ple. It would be im- 
possible in this short 
chapter to give the full 
extent of his benefac- 
tions. 

There have been hun- 
dreds of other Pennsyl- 
vanians who have made 
generous gifts to worthy 
objects. Among these 
was Ario Pardee, who 
made a gift of half a mil- 
lion dollars to Lafayette 



Two views of the University of 
Pennsylvania. 

College. This is said to be 
the largest gift that had ever 
been made at that time to 
any college already in exist- 
ence. A gift of millions of 
dollars by Asa Packer to 
Lehigh University was a 
later benefaction. Other 
large gifts made by Penn- 
sylvanians to educational 





356 GREAT MEN OF THE KEYSTONE STATE 

institutions were those of Joseph Wharton, and Provost 
C. C. Harrison to the University of Pennsylvania, WilHam 
Thaw to Western University, Richard T. Jones to Haver- 
ford College, and Dr. Joseph Wright Taylor to Bryn Mawr 
College. Charles M. Schwab and J. V. Thompson have 
also made substantial gifts to educational institutions. 
A. J. Drexel founded and endowed the institute named 
after him in Philadelphia by a gift of more than four million 
dollars. 

Scientists. — Pennsylvania has been the home of many 
scientists who are known to the world at large. Among 
these are Doctors Samuel D. Gross, of Jefferson Medical 
College, and D. Hayes Agnew, two famous surgeons; Wil- 
liam Pepper, an authority on children's diseases; and Dr. 
Benjamin Rush of early days. Among astronomers and 
mathematicians Rittenhouse was a leader in his day. Ben- 
jamin Franklin and Joseph Priestley have already been men- 
tioned. J. J. Audubon and James Wilson were authorities 
on birds. John Bartram was the founder of American 
botany and Joseph Leidy of the study of biology. A scien- 
tist of note was Spencer F. Baird, a native of this state, who 
at one time was connected with Dickinson College and dur- 
ing his later life was the secretary of the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution at Washington. 

In more recent years the study of forestry has attained 
prominence. The recognized leader of the movement is 
Gifford Pinchot, whose beautiful home in Pike County is 
admirably located for his studies. A name which must 
always be known in connection with the work in Pennsyl- 
vania is that of Joseph T. Rothrock who has been connected 
with the state department of forestry since its organi- 
zation. 



GREAT MEN OF THE KEYSTONE STATE 



357 



Among explorers are Elisha Kent Kane, who in 1853 made 
a famous voyage in the arctic regions, and Robert E. Peary, 
who after repeated trials reached the North Pole in 1909. 

Inventors. — Pennsylvania has had many inventors. 
Among these are Fulton and Fitch, who are connected with 
the early development of the steamboat; Roebling, the 
builder of wire suspension bridges; and George Westing- 
house, the inventor 
of the airbrake and 
numerous electrical 
devices. 

Clergymen. — As 
this state was the 
early refuge of the 
followers of many 
religious sects, it 
had representative 
leaders of these 
movements. Among 
these were Muhlen- 
berg, Schlatter, Penn 
and Fox, Pastorius, 
Beissel, and Kelpius. 
Whitefield, one of 
the greatest preach- 
ers of the world, 
paid the colony a visit. In recent years Pennsylvania has 
at times been the home of Phillips Brooks, Bishop Henry 
Potter, and Russell Conwell. 

Educators. — Mention has been made of the early school- 
master in Pennsylvania, Christopher Dock. One would 
hardly look for an authority in English among the Germans 




Christ Church, Philadelphia. 



358 



GREAT MEN OF THE KEYSTONE STATE 



of the state, yet the great grammarian, Lindley Murray, was 
born in Lancaster County. Dr. Tennent, the founder of the 
Log College in Bucks County, and Dr. McMillan, the 
founder of the Log College in Washington County, were 
pioneers in the work of education. In a long line of pro- 
fessors in many institutions it is hard to select those of the 
foremost rank. John B. McMaster, of the University of 




Lafayette College, Easton. 

Pennsylvania, is a historian whose History of the People of 
the United States has added honor to the scholarship of the 
state. Horace Howard Furness, of Philadelphia, was the 
editor of the Variorum Edition of Shakespeare, the greatest 
work of the kind ever produced. 

The story of education in Pennsylvania would be incom- 
plete without mention of those leaders who have helped in 
the development of the public school system of the state. 
Dr. Thomas H. Borrowes, the state superintendent of 



GREAT MEN OF THE KEYSTONE STATE 



359 



common schools, organized the system. He did much to 
develop the training of teachers by means of normal schools 
and teachers' organizations. Hon. James P. Wickersham 
became state superintendent in 1866. During his adminis- 
tration the public schools made great strides. State appro- 
priations were increased greatly and provision was made for 
city and borough superintendents. Dr. Nathan C. Schaeffer 
was made state superintendent of public instruction in 
1893. The many important advances made during his ad- 
ministration mark it as one of the greatest in the history 
of the state. The state appropriations were more than 
doubled; a minimum salary act was passed; appropriations 
were made for township high schools, and high school in- 
spectors were appointed. The crowning act of the admin- 
istration was the passage of the school code. This re- 
sulted in a reorganization of the school system. A state 
board of education was created, provision was made for 
agricultural and industrial education, and a plan was in- 
augurated for the state to assume control of the normal 
schools. 

Literary men and women. — Here and there throughout 
this book mention has been made of famous Hterary men and 
women who have been associated with Pennsylvania. Poe 
was the editor of Graham^s Magazine of Philadelphia, and 
for a time lived in that city. Lowell and Whittier also were 
for a time residents of this state. Among the famous liter- 
ary women who have lived in Pennsylvania are Louisa M. 
Alcott, ''Grace Greenwood," Ida M. Tarbell, and Margaret 
Deland. Elsie Singmaster and Mrs. Helen Martin have 
written stories involving the habits and customs of the 
Pennsylvania Germans. Benjamin Franklin was not only a 
scientist and statesman, but he was a writer of unusual 



360 



GREAT MEN OF THE KEYSTONE STATE 



finish and attractiveness. His Autobiography is one of the 
best in all literature. Charles Brockden Brown was one of 
the pioneer American novelists, while Dr. S. Weir Mitchell 
was one of the best of America's novelists. Richard Harding 
Davis and Owen Wister are popular short-story writers. In 

the field of poetry natives of 
Pennsylvania have had de- 
served prominence. Bayard 
Taylor and Thomas Buchanan 
Read are perhaps the best 
known. Read's Passing the 
Icebergs^ Drifting, The Wag- 
oner of the AlleghenieSj and 
his poem of the Civil War, 
Sheridan^ s Ride, are among his 
best known works. Taylor's 
prose works, Views Afoot and 
the Story of Kennett, should be 
read by everybody. Some of 
his best known poems are The 
Old Pennsylvania Farmer, Lars, and his translation of the 
German masterpiece Faust. Dr. Mitchell, in addition to 
his prose works, also wrote poetry of merit. One of the 
best of modern writers of both prose and poetry is Henry 
van Dyke. Among his poems are The Builders and The 
Toiling of Felix. The Ruling Passion and The Blue 
Flower are two of his best known prose works. 

Poets of lesser note are Joseph Hopkinson, the author of 
Hail Columbia, George P. Morris, who wrote Woodman, 
Spare That Tree, George H. Boker, the writer of a number of 
good war poems; and Thomas Dunn EngHsh, who wrote 
Ben Bolt, a popular ballad of a few generations ago ; Homer 




Bayard Taylor. 



GREAT MEN OF THE KEYSTONE STATE 361 

Greene and Captain Mayne Reid are Pennsylvanians who 
are popular authors of boys' stories. 

Artists. — Pennsylvania from the first has led in the world 
of art. Benjamin West was the earhest of our painters. A 
brief account of his life has been given elsewhere in this 
book. Two of his pupils were Charles Wilson Peale and his 
son, Rembrandt Peale. The former was celebrated as the 
painter of the portraits of Washington and many other 
distinguished men of the Revolutionary period. Rembrandt 
Peale also painted portraits and was one of the founders of 
the Academy of Fine Arts of Philadelphia, the first institu- 
tion of the kind in America. John Sartain and his children, 
William and Emily, are leading painters who lived in this 
state. John S. Sargent, while not a resident of the state, 
was the son of a former Pennsylvanian. His mural decora- 
tions in the Boston PubKc Library are among the most 
famous in America. The ''Frieze of the Prophets" is a part 
of this work and will rank with the best in the world. John 
W. Alexander is a native of Pittsburgh. His best known 
works are portraits which he paints in such a manner as to 
give them peculiar artistic charm. He, too, has done some 
mural painting. The ''Evolution of the Book" in the Con- 
gressional Library at Washington and the "Crowning of 
Labor" in the Carnegie Library at Pittsburgh are his best 
known works of the kind. One of the greatest of modern 
mural painters was Edwin A. Abbey, who was born in 
Philadelphia and educated at the Academy. One of the 
most charming of his paintings is the "Quest of the Holy 
Grail" in the Boston Public Library. He was employed at 
the time of his death upon a series of pictures for the capitol 
building at Harrisburg. A number of these have been fin- 
ished and are among the most beautiful of the works of art 



362 GREAT MEN OF THE KEYSTONE STATE 

in the state. Some of his paintings are in the dome and 
others are in the house chamber. Violet Oakley, Eliza- 
beth Shippen Greene, and Jessie Wilcox Smith are all 
residents of Pennsylvania who have attained fame in art. 
A list of the artists of the Keystone State would contain 
the names of Edward W. Redfield, Jennie Brownscombe, 
Ceceha Beaux, Peter Frederick Rothermel, and Thomas 
Hovenden. The last is the painter of ^'Breaking Home 
Ties," which attracted much attention in the exhibition at 
the World's Fair in Chicago. Rothermel painted the pic- 
ture of the battle of Gettysburg hanging in the library build- 
ing at Harrisburg. George Gray Barnard is perhaps Penn- 
sylvania's most gifted sculptor. It was he who produced the 
statuary on either side of the main entrance to the state 
capitol. 

Among those Pennsylvanians whose names are known in 
the world of music are the famous violinist Ole Bull and the 
composer and orchestral leader, Victor Herbert. 

SUMMARY 

Pennsylvania has had great men in every line of human endeavor. 
In art, literature, science, religion, education, and philanthropy, 
Pennsylvanians have had a prominent part. Judged by her product 
either in an intellectual or in a material way, Pennsylvania is worthy 
of the deepest respect. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. Look up in the encyclopedia all men mentioned in the chapter. 

2. If possible read parts of the works of the various writers. 

3. Obtain as far as possible copies of the paintings of the artists 
mentioned. 

4. Find the names of as many other famous Americans who have 
been great along the same Knes as those given in this chapter. 

5. In what is Pennsylvania greatest? Give your reason. 



CHRONOLOGICAL DATA 

1646 — Church built on Tinicum Island. First mention made of 
Upland, now Chester. 

1657— School at New Amstel (New Castle), the first in the colony. 

1669 — Blockhouse built at Wicaco, used as a church in 1677. 

1682 — John Key, the first English child born in Philadelphia. 

1684 — Pennsbury manor house built for William Penn. First Baptist 
societies organized in Bucks County, near Bristol, and in 
Chester County. 

1685 — First book printed in the middle colonies. The Excellent Privi- 
lege of Liberty and Property, by William Bradford, at Phila- 
delphia. Courthouse at Chester erected. 

1688 — First antislavery protest in America, by the German Quakers 
of German town. 

1689 — Public school established at Philadelphia; chartered by William 
Penn in 1701; still exists as the "William Penn Charter 
School." Germantown incorporated. 

1692 — First school established at Darby. 

1696 — The first paper mill in Pennsylvania, erected near Germantown 
by William Rittenhouse. 

1700 — "Old Swedes' Church" built on site of old blockhouse at 
Wicaco. John Penn, son of William Penn, born in the "Old 
Slate Roof House," Philadelphia. 

1701 — Philadelphia chartered as a city. 

1716 — First ironworks in America established near Pottstown. 

1718 — William Penn died in England. 

1719 — The American Weekly Mercury, the first newspaper in Penn- 
sylvania, was published in Philadelphia by Andrew Bradford. 

1723 — Benjamin Franklin became a citizen of Philadelphia. 

1728 — Bartram's Garden begun on the banks of the Schuylkill. 

1729 — Franklin published The Pennsylvania Gazette, now the Saturday 
Evening Post. 

1732 — The State House begun in Philadelphia. Poor Richard's Alma- 
nac published by Franklin. 

1733 — The first negroes liberated in Philadelphia. 

1738 — First German printing press set up in Germantown. Benjamin 
West born at Springfield. 

1740 — First medical book published in America by Dr. Thomas Cad- 
walader of Philadelphia. 

1743 — The first Bible in a European tongue printed in America by 
Christopher Sauer, of Germantown. 

363 



364 CHRONOLOGICAL DATA 

1746 — First religious work in America published by Christopher 
Sauer. First iron rolling and slitting mill in Pennsylvania. 

1749 — The Germantown Academy and a school for girls at Bethlehem 
established. An academy which became the University of 
Pennsylvania started by Benjamin Franklin. 

1751 — The Pennsylvania Hospital founded at Philadelphia. 

1752 — The "Liberty Bell" was imported from England. Lightning 
rods set up by Franklin in Philadelphia. 

1755 — Free school started in Easton. General Braddock was defeated. 

1763 — Mason and Dixon began to survey the boundary between 
Maryland and Pennsylvania. 

1764 — The first medical school in America was opened in Philadelphia. 

1770 — Carpenter's Hall was built in Philadelphia. 

1774 — First society for the abolition of slavery formed by Friends at 
Philadelphia. First Continental Congress met. 

1776 — Declaration of Independence adopted. 

1777 — United States flag made by Betsy Ross. 

1780 — First law passed providing for the gradual abolition of slavery 
in Pennsylvania. 

1782 — First American edition of the Bible, printed in English, was 
made in Philadelphia. 

1785 — The first steamboat made by John Fitch. 

1786 — The Pittsburgh Gazette issued. The western boundary of the 
state settled. The first dispensary in America established 
by Dr. Benjamin Rush in Philadelphia. 

1790 — Philadelphia became the capital of the United States. 

1791 — The first "Bank of the United States" was established. 

1792 — The Lancaster Pike was begun. The United States Mint was 
established in Philadelphia. The first blast furnace in Pitts- 
burgh was built. 

1793 — Washington's second inauguration in Philadelphia in Inde- 
pendence Hall. 

1797 — John Adams inaugurated in Independence Hall in Philadelphia. 

1799 — Lancaster became the capital of the state. 

1800 — Washington became the capital of the United States. 

1803 — Pennsylvania called the "Keystone State." 

1809 — Railroad in Delaware County, the first in the United States, 
was operated by horse power. 

1810 — Harrisburg became the capital of the state. 

181 1 — First steamboat on western waters was built at Pittsburgh. 

1815— Schuylkill Navigation Canal begun. 

1816 — First wire suspension bridge was built at Philadelphia. 

1817 — Bridge over the Susquehanna at Harrisburg completed. 

1818 — Lehigh Canal begun. 

1819— United States Bank building at Philadelphia was begun. 

1822— Legislature met in capitol at Harrisburg. 



CHRONOLOGICAL DATA 



365 



1827— Mauch Chunk railroad was built. Paper was first made from 

straw at Meadville. 
1829 — First locomotive in America ran at Honesdale. United States 

Mint building begun, in Philadelphia. 
1831 — Stephen Girard died. First locomotive built at the Baldwin 

Locomotive Works. 
i832^Epidemic of cholera in Philadelphia. 
1833— First railroad tunnel in the United States was built near 

Johnstown. 
1834— The comnion-school system of Pennsylvania was established. 

The main line of the Pennsylvania Canal was opened from 

Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. 
1835 — First successful use of coke in a blast furnace in Huntingdon 

(now Blair) County. 
1804 — Scranton was founded. 

i846^The Pennsylvania Railroad Company was chartered. 
1854 — A normal school was founded at Philadelphia. Philadelphia 

city and county consolidated. 
1856 — Republican National Convention held at Philadelphia. 
1859 — First Pennsylvania State Normal School opened at Millersville. 

Drake obtained petroleum at Titusville. 
i860 — Wild speculation in petroleum. 
1861 — Pennsylvania "First Defenders" go to Washington. 
1863— The battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3. 
1874— City Hall, Philadelphia, begun. 
1876 — Centennial Exposition was held in Philadelphia. 
1880 — First elevated railroad constructed in the United States was 

built by the Pennsylvania Railroad in Philadelphia. 
1887 — A new charter was put in operation in Philadelphia, known as 

the "Bullitt Bill." 
1888 — The great blizzard occurred, March 11. The manufacture of 

aluminum begun in Pittsburgh. 
1889 — Johnstown was destroyed by a flood. 
1890 — The tin-plate industry was begun in the United States in the 

Pittsburgh region. 
1897 — The first pressed-steel cars were made in Allegheny. State 

capitol at Harrisburg was burned. 
1898 — The National Guard of Pennsylvania was called to the assis- 
tance of the nation in the Spanish War. 
190 1 — A new INlint building was erected in Philadelphia. 
1903 — The Philadelphia ]\Iarket Street subway was begun. 
1906 — The new^ state capitol was finished. 
1907 — Pittsburgh and Allegheny were consolidated. 
191 1 — The School Code was adopted. 
191 3 — A peace jubilee was held on the battlefield of Gettysburg. 



INDEX 



Adams Co., 83 

Adams, J., 169. 207, 213,217,233 

Adams, S., 169 

Albany treaty, 95 

Aldriks, 31 

Allegheny College, 68, 268 

Allen Rifles, 294 

Allentown, 182, 235, 264, 294 

Altoona, 264, 336 

Amish, 59 

Andre, 192, 193 

Anthracite, 220, 348 

Antimasras, 267 

Antislavery party, 285 

Argall, 21 

Armstrong, 105-7, 120, 338 

Arnold, 192, 195, 213 

Articles of Confederation, 207 

Artists, 361 

Associators, 161, 165, 169 

Audubon, 247, 356 

Augusta, Ft., 199 

Austin flood, 322 

Authors, 353 

Baldwin, 262, 336 

Baltimore, Lord, 31, 32, 43, 79, 

81, 81, 93, 133, 135 
Bank of N^rth America, 203, 

201, 253 
Bank of Pe i isylvania, 253 
Barry, 179 
Bartram, 78, 356 
Battle of Lake Erie, 213 
Bedford, 103, 116,223, 234, 235 
Beissel, 60, 357 
Berks Co, 83, 92, 151. 231 
Bethlehem, 61, 65, 101, 105, 122, 

182, 183, 235, 235, 237 
Biddle, 159, 161 
Bigler, 285, 288 
Bilhngsport, 186 
Black, 287, 354 
Blue laws, 71 

Boquet, 101, 113, 118, 121, 125 
Brackenridge, 227 
Braddock, 99-106, 110, 111, 227, 

261 
Brady's Bend, 261 
Brandywine, 66, 181 
Brant, 197 
Breck, 268, 270 
Breckenridge, 291 
Brown, 247, 248, 251, 288, 360 
Brownsville, 152, 236, 238 
Brule, 20 
Brumbaugh, 329 
Bryan, Geo., 205 
Buchanan, 275, 287, 292, 353 
Buckalew, 293 ^ 



1 Bucks Co., 46, 83. 234 

! "Buckshot War," 273 

i Bucktails, 296 

' Bull Run, 296 
Burgoyne. 190, 197 
Burrows, 272, 273, 358 

I Bushy Run, 118. 319 
Butler, 142, 143, 197, 1 
264, 338 



245, 



Cameron, 275, 286, 292, 293, 353 
Canals, 242, 260 
Capitol, 249, 324, 325, 327 
Carlisle, 67. 106. 117, 118, 195, 

222, 228, 235, 273 
Carpenter's Hall, 159 
Carpetbag rule, 313 
Casimer, 29, 30 
Cement, 341 

Centennial Exposition, 317, 318 
Chads Ford, 181 
Chambersburg, 228, 289, 297, 

311 
Charter, 40, 47, 52, 133, 138 
Chester, 44, 52, 182, 235, 284. 

318, 336 
Chester Co., 46, 79, 234 
Christiana riot, 285 
Christina, 27, 30, 35 
Church of England, 56, 129, 169 
City Hall. 316, 317 
Clay, 231, 252, 274, 275, 283 
Clymer, 161, 172, 209, 210 
Coal, 253 
Coke, 336, 337 
Colleges, 204, 264 
Columbian R. R., 261, 262 
Comenius, 66 
Conmiittee of Safety. 163 
Conemaugh. 261 
Conestoga, 15, 121, 238, 242 
Conewago, 242 
Confederacy, Articles of, 207 
Confederate States, 291, 293 
Connecticut, 68, 138, 139, 140, 

142, 144-6 
Connellsville, 152, 236 
Constitution, 172, 173, 203, 208- 

10, 244, 251, 272, 315, 317 
Continental Congress, 159, 163 
Comwallis, 178, 189, 200 

Cumberland. 95, 96, 99, 103, 118. 

207, 236 
Cumberland Co., 83, 234 
Curtin, 287, 292-6, 353 

Dallas, 244, 252, 274, 275, 354 
Dauphin, 83, 234 
Decatur, 251 

366 



Declaration of Independence, 

79, 169, 170-2, 175, 201, 

203, 244 
Declaration of Rights, 160 
Delaware, 21, 23, 26, 27, 29, 32. 

41, 83, 84, 88, 105, 109, 133, 

209. 234. 237. 256 
Denny. 108, 113, 127 
De Vore, 237 
De Vries, 22, 27 
Dickinson. 129, 131, 159. 161, 

168. 170. 174, 200, 204, 206, 

209, 210, 220, 353 
Dickinson College, 67, 202, 206, 

207, 220, 268, 356 
Dock, 60, 357 
Dongan, 82 
Donop, 187 
Duke's Law, 34 
Dunbar, 103 
Dunkcrs, 59, 164 
Dunmore, 137 
Duquesne, 95, 96, 108-11 
Durham, 151, 152, 240 
Durkee, 145-6 
Dutch, 19, 23, 27, 30, 29, 31 

Easton, 67, 104, 105, 109, 143. 

145, 151, 183, 235, 237, 238, 

264, 268 
Economy, 245, 246 
Ecuyer, 117 
Education, 60, 66, 68, 220, 268, 

357 
Elder, 120, 121 
English, 27, 30, 360 
Ephrata, 60, 182, 245 
Erie, 16, 24,94,95, 148, 149,231. 

236, 249, 260, 264 
Evans, 72, 73, 240 

Fallen Timbers, 232 

Fayette Co., 152, 230, 234, 236, 
245 

Federalists, 210 

Fires, 322 

First defenders, 294 

Fitch, 240, 357 

Fletcher, 50 

Forbes, 109, 111 

Ford, 53, 54 

Forty Ft., 143 

Fox, 35, 39 

Frame, 40, 41 

Franklin, 236, 339 

Franklin, B., 65,77,79,88-9,93- 
5, 100, 104-5, 112-4,127-8, 
130-1, 353, 356, 359-60 

Franklin Co., 234, 268 

Franklin College, 220 



INDEX 



367 



Frankstown, 219 

Freeland, Ft., 199 

Free-soilers, 286 

French, 91, 94-7. 99, 191, 215 

Friends, 36, 37, 38, 164, 269 

Fries, 232 

Fulton, 240, 357 

Gallatin, 228-30, 280, 354 

Galloway, 159, 161 

Geary, 315 

Genet, 216 

Germans, 58, 59, 61-3, 67, 84 

Germantown, 58, 59, 60, 183, 

185, 186, 189, 235. 245, 344 
Gertrude of Wyoming, 139 
Gettysburg, 235, 268, 297-311, 

319, 328 
Girard, 220, 221, 354 
Glass, 340 
Gnadenhutten, 105 
Golden books, 62 
Gookin, 75 
Gordon, 13, 79, 298 
Grant, 109, 110, 111 
Great Meadows, 96 
Great Treaty, 49 
Greene Co., 234 
Greensburg, 137, 236, 237, 337, 

349 
Grow, 287, 293, 354 

Hail Columbia, 217 

Hamilton, Alexander, 209, 214, 

218, 228, 354 
Hamilton, Andrew, 53, 72 
Hamilton, James, 89, 91, 92. 97, 

113, 124, 127 
Hancock, 309, 319 
Hanover, 298, 299 
Harmony, 245, 246 
Harrisburg, 104, 121, 125, 235, 

237, 248. 264 
Hartranft, 315 
Heckewelder, 15 
Hendrickson, 21 
Hessians, 177, 187, 188 
Hiester, 254 
Hollidaysburg, 261, 262 
Homestead, 264, 348 
Hopkinson, 216, 217, 360 
Horseshoe Bend, 106 
Howe, 176, 180, 183, 192, 213 
Hoyt, 315, 319 
Hudson, 19 
Huguenots. 68 
Hummelstown, 165, 343 
Humphreys, 159, 161 
Huntington Co., 234 

Independence Hall, 79 
Indian purchases, 83 
Indians, 11-17,83,84,97. 137 
Indian wars, 106. 107, 231 
Iron. 244, 334, 335 
IroQuois, 15, 17, 82, 84, 89, 91, 92 

Jackson, 271 

Jacob's Creek, 152, 237, 245 



Jay, 207, 213 
Jefferson, 169, 214, 230 
Johnson, 197, 312 
Johnston, 274, 285, 287 
Johnstown, 261-4, 321 
Juniata, 92, 219, 235, 245, 261, 
262 

Keith, 50, 75-79, 88 
Kelpius, 61. 357 
Kilpatrick, 299 
Kittanning, 14, 105-7. 336 
"Know-nothings." 285, 286 
Knyphausen, 181, 183 

Lackawanna, 234 
Lafayette, 65, 178, 182, 355 
Lancaster, 183, 205, 206, 222, 

234, 235, 245 
Lancaster Co., 79, 84, 85, 118, 

121, 234, 240, 248, 262, 342 
Lancaster Turnpike, 218, 262 
Lancastrian schools, 253 
La Salle, 24 
Lebanon, 83, 235, 262 
Le Boeuf, 94, 95, 231 
Lee, R. E., 297, 299 
Lee, R. H., 169, 170 
Lehigh, 64, 83, 237 
Lehigh University, 355 
Lenni-Lenape, 15 
Letitia House, 45, 46 
Lewistown, 235, 294 
Lexington, 162, 179 
Liberty Bell, 79, 182 
Lincoln, 291, 292. 294, 310, 312 
Liquor, 32, 116, 322 
Lloyd, 50, 51, 74 
Locomotive, 256, 257 
Logan, 72, 74, 76-7, 92, 244, 294 
Log College, 206, 358 
Logstown, 95, 105, 232 
"Lower Counties," 26, 41, 46, 

50, 52 
Lumbering, 331-3 
Lutherans, 62, 269 
Luzerne, 234 
Lycoming, 234 

Macadam, 218 

Madison, 209, 244, 249, 252, 268 

Markham 41, 43, 50-54, 72 

Marshall, 227, 268 

Maryland, 31, 84-6, 95, 104, 228 

Mason and Dixon, 136^8 

Masons. 267 

Mauch Chunk. 220, 256 

McClellan, 296 

McKean, 174, 222, 228, 244-6 

Meade, 299, 303-309 

Meadville, 236, 251, 264, 268 

Mennonites, 33, 58. 59, 164, 269 

Menno Simon, 58, 59 

Mercer, 187, 189 

Mexican War, 283 

Mey, 21, 22 

Mifflin, 158, 159, 161, 168, 174. 
187. 188, 201, 207, 217, 218, 
222, 228, 231, 234, 244 



Mingo, 227 

Minguas, 16 

Minisink, 83, 89, 91 

Mmsi, 15, 16 

Minuit, 27, 34 

Mischianza, 192 

"Molly Maguires," 346 

Monmouth, 194 

Montgomery, 234 

Moore, 247, 280 

Moravian, 15, 63-6, 122, 139, 182 

Morgan, 228. 229, 267 

Morris, 97, 108, 127, 174, 178, 

179, 200, 203, 209, 213 
Morristown, 178, 180 
Morton, 159. 161, 172 
Muhlenberg, 63, 213, 244, 354, 

357 
Muncy, 120, 147 

Nassau, 22, 23 

National bank. 214, 252 

National Pike, 100, 236 

Native Americans, 274 

Natural gas, 339 

Nazareth, 64, 66 

Neville, 225, 226 

New Amstel. 30, 31, 33 

New Amsterdam. 30, 31 

New Castle, 30, 34, 73, 134, 136, 

336 
New Gottenburg, 28 
Nicolls, 34 

Northampton, 83, 104, 234 
Northumberland, 114, 234, 244 

Ogden, 142-7 
Olmstead, 246 
Orphans' schools, 312 
Ottawas, 116 
Owenites, 245 

Packer, 286, 355 

Paine. 168 

Palatinate. 62 

Panic of 1873, 315 

Paoli, 183 

Paper, 59 

Paper money, 70, 75, 88 

Paris, Treaty of, 116 

Parkinson's Ferry, 227, 228, 237 

Passayunk, 33 

Pastorius, 58. 59, 357 

Pattison, 320 

Paxton, 121, 123, 124 

Penn Charter Academy, 160 

Penn, Hannah, 89, 135 

Penn heirs, 82, 84, 99, 113,127- 

132, 142-8, 205 
Penn. J.. 52. 81,89,124, 135,141, 

174 
Penn, R., 81, 131, 174 
Penn, T., 81, 83. 89, 93, 135 
Penn, W., 36-9, 43-6. 49-54.75- 

6. 81, 87, 95, 205, 319, 357 
Penn. W.. Jr., 72 
Pennsbury, 53 
Penn's treaty, 49, 87 
Pennsylvania canal, 256-66 



368 



INDEX 



Pennsylvania College, 268 
Pennsylvania Hall, 281, 282 
Pennsylvania Pilgrims, 61 
Pennsylvania R. R., 106, 256-66 
Pennsylvania Reserves, 295 
"Pennsylvania System," 254 
Pennypacker, 326, 349 
Penrose, 273 
Peters, 91, 92, 229 
Petroleum, 337, 338 
Philippines, 323 
Pickett's charge, 306 
Pietersen, 31 
Pitcairn, 162 
"Pitcher, Molly," 194 
Pitt, 108, 116, 118 
Pittsburgh, 110, 137, 152, 237, 

245, 264 
Plockhoy, 33, 58 
Plunkett, 147 
Polk, 274, 275, 283 
Pollock, 286 
Pontiac, 116 

Poor Richard's Almanac, 77 
Portage R.R., 238, 259, 262, 263 
Porter, 272, 274, 354 
PottsviUe, 260, 294 
Presbyterian, 67 
Presque Isle, 24, 94, 116, 231 
Priestley, 114, 356 
Princeton, 177, 178 
Printing, 159 
Printz, 28, 29, 34 
Public Ledger, 282 
Public Schools, 68, 268, 269 

Quakers, 38, 50, 56-9, 63, 72. 

86, 88, 89, 94, 104, 173 
Quarry, 74 
Quay, 321 

Radnor, 57 

Rahl, 177 

Randolph, 159 

Rangers, 191 

Rapp, 245 

Ravstown, 109 

Read, 275, 360 

Reading, 235, 294 

Redstone, 225, 229 

Reed, 158, 161, 168, 174, 201. 

205 
Reformed, 62, 63, 269 
Republican convention, 287 
Resolutions, 159 
Revolution, 63, 151-200 
Ringold Light Artillery, 294 
Ritner, 267, 272, 273 ' 
Rittenhouse, 135-7, 174, 356- 
Roebling, 238, 357 
Ross, 159, 161, 172, 179, 229, 246 
Runaway, The Great, 200 
Rush, 161, 172, 174, 201, 207, 

220, 356 

Salt, 340 
Saur, 60 

Schlatter, 63, 357 
Schoharie, 92 



Schoolmaster, 31, 48, 58 

Scientists, 356 

Scotch-Irish, 66, 67 

Scott, 283, 292, 295, 296 

Scottdale, 336 

Scranton, 264 

Shakamaxon, 49 

Shamokin, 95 

Sharon, 264 

Shawnees, 16, 96, 105, 109 

Shikellimv, 92 

Shippen, 52, 195 

Shippensburg, 117 

Shirley, 106 

Shulze, 254 

Shunk, 274 

Silk, 341 

Simcoe, 191 

Six Nations, 92, 93, 140, 142, 197 

Skippack, 63 

Slate, 342 

Slavery, 205, 280 

Smiley, 225 

Smith, 18, 169, 172, 188, 204, 

354, 362 
Snyder, 244-249 
Soldiers' Orphans' Schools, 312 
Somerset, 234, 236 
South Bethlehem, 264, 343 
South Hills, 83 
Spanish War, 87, 88, 323 
Springfield, 86 
Stamp Act, 154 
Stanton, 287, 292, 353 
Stanwix, 111, 142 
State banks, 252 
State Capitol, 249 
State House, 158, 206 
State navy, 165 
State police, 326, 349, 350 
St. Clair, 165, 200, 206, 217, 231. 

232 
St. David's church, 58 
Steamboat, 240 
Steuben, 190 
Stevens, 268, 270, 272, 273, 287, 

312, .353 
Stewart, 251 
Stiegel, 340 
Stourbridge Lion, 247 
Strikes, 345, 346, 347 
Stuart, 143, 297, 299 
Stuyvesant, 29, 30, 32 
Sullivan, 186, 198, 199 
Sumter, 293, 294 
Sunbury, 104, 147 
Susquehanna, 140, 148, 235, 264 
Swarthmore, 86 
Swatara, 92 
Swedes, 26, 29 
Swenkfelders, 62 

Tannehill, 251 

Tappan, 281 

Taxes, 97, 99, 153-5, 224, 225 

Taylor, 161, 172, 275, 360 

Tener, 326, 328 

Tennent, 207, 358 

"Tertium Quids," 244 



Texas, 283 

Thomas. 86, 88, 89 

Thompson, 158-9, 161, 168, 174 

Tinicum, 28, 30, 33, 35 

Transportation, 239 

Trappe, 63 

Treaty, 48-9, 82, 87, 95, 105,116 

Trenton, 177, 178. 237 

Tribes, 15 

Tulpehocken, 62 

Tunkers, 59 

Tunnels, 263 

Unami, 15 

Underground Railroad, 284 

Union Canal, 260 

Uniontown, 236, 237, 268 

U. S. Bank, 271 

Univ. of Penn , 201, 220, 268 

Upland, 29, 33, 34. 44, 46 

Valley Forge, 189, 190 
Varnum, 189 

Venango, 94, 116, 231, 338 
Virginia, 31, 63, 94, 96, 97, 99. 
100-3, 109, 137, 228, 312 

"Walking purchase," 83. 84, 89 

Walrus, 22 

Wampum, 14 

Ward, 96 

W^ar of 1812, 249 

Warren, 236, 304 

Warren tavern, 183 

Washington Co., 236, 237 

Washington, 65, 94-100, 109, 

111, 163, 169, 180, 189, 194, 

209, 213, 228 
Wash. & Jeff. Coll., 68, 226 
Waterford, 94, 231 
Wayne, 161, 183, 186, 200, 201, 

228, 232 
Wayne Co., 234 
Weiss, 63 

W^eiser, 92, 93, 105, 197 
Welsh, 57 

West, B., 49, 86, 87, 361 
West Branch, 147, 199, 261, 322 
West India Company, 31 
Westinghouse, 258, 357 
Westmoreland, 140, 165, 199,200, 

225, 231, 234. 236, 280, 339 
Whiskey, 224-230 
Wilkes-Barre, 144, 145, 220, 235 
Whitfield, 64, 357 
Wilmot, 286, 287, 293 
Wilmot proviso, 284 
Wilson, 161, 172, 174, 209, 213 
Wissahickon, 59, 61 
Wolf, 267, 268, 270 
Wrightstown, 83, 222 
Wyalusing, 66, 199 
Wyoming, 68, 139, 140, 142, 197. 

198. 199, 220 

Yankee-Pennamite Wars, 142-50 
York, 83, 183, 235 
Yorktown, 200 



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